Team India pacer Mohammed Shami could be one of the vital cogs for skipper Rohit Sharma if they hope to defend the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) down under later this year. Shami has a total of 448 international wickets, including 229 Test wickets in 64 matches at an average of 27.71.
Shami has been sidelined from international cricket since the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup in India last year with an ankle injury for which he also underwent a surgery this year. The Bengal pacer has been undergoing his rehab at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.
However, media reports emerged earlier this week that Shami’s rehabilitation might not be going as per schedule and the Gujarat Titans fast bowler could be sidelined for the India vs Australia 2024 five-match Test series for BGT later this year.
Shami expressed his frustration and clarified his stance regarding these speculations. “Why these type of baseless rumors? I’m working hard and trying my level best to recover. Neither the BCCI nor me have mentioned that I am out of the Border Gavaskar series. I request the public to stop paying attention to such news from unofficial sources. Please stop and don’t spread such fake fake fake & fake news, especially without my statement,” Shami wrote in a post on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter).
Why these type of baseless rumors? I’m working hard and trying my level best to recover. Neither the BCCI nor me have mentioned that I am out of the Border Gavaskar series. I request the public to stop paying attention to such news from unofficial sources. Please stop and don’t… pic.twitter.com/0OgL1K2iKS
— (@MdShami11) October 2, 2024
The 34-year-old urged the public to disregard such news from unofficial sources, emphasising the negative impact of spreading misinformation. Shami is making significant strides in his recovery from an ankle injury that has kept him out of cricket since the ODI World Cup last year. The India pacer already resumed bowling in July for the first time after his surgery and has been gradually increasing his bowling workload, reporting no pain.
Shami’s tweet comes as a reassurance to fans and the cricketing community about his commitment to recovery and his intent to participate in the prestigious series. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia will begin on November 22, with the first Test at Perth.
The second Test, scheduled for December 6 to 10 at Adelaide Oval, will feature the exciting day-night format under the stadium’s lights. After that, fans will turn their attention to The Gabba in Brisbane for the third Test, which will be held from December 14 to 18.
The customary Boxing Day Test, set for December 26 to 30 at Melbourne’s storied Melbourne Cricket Ground, will bring the series to its penultimate stage. The fifth and final Test, taking place at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7, will serve as the series climax, promising a dramatic conclusion to an exciting contest.
(with ANI inputs)
