Mohammed Shami faces injury scare in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy clash against Madhya Pradesh

India pacer Mohammed Shami, who has been out of the national team for over a year and is hoping to make a return to the Test side, faced an injury scare during Bengal’s match against Madhya Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy on Friday. Shami, who last played for India in the 2023 ODI World Cup final, has been sidelined due to an injury, followed by surgery and rehab.

Bengal, opting to bat first, posted a total of 189/9 in their 20 overs, with young opener Karan Lal top-scoring with a 30-ball 44. Madhya Pradesh successfully chased down the target with two balls to spare, thanks to half-centuries from Subhranshu Senapati and captain Rajat Patidar.

Despite the impressive batting performances, all eyes were on Shami due to his injury scare, especially as he looks to make his return to the international circuit.

While bowling the 19th over of Madhya Pradesh’s innings, Shami stumbled as he tried to stop the ball, injuring his foot when it struck his shoe.

Shami appeared visibly uncomfortable after the fall, lying on the ground and clutching his lower back. The match was held at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium C in Rajkot.

Nitin Patel, head of the Centre of Excellence’s medical panel, who was accompanying Shami to monitor his recovery, quickly rushed onto the field to assess the situation. Fortunately, it was not a serious injury, and according to an ESPNCricinfo report, Shami is now “fine.”

It wasn’t an ideal performance for star pacer Mohammed Shami against Madhya Pradesh, as he went wicketless, conceding 38 runs from his four overs. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Shami has taken four wickets in as many matches, with an economy rate of 9.74.

Ahead of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Mohammed Shami had a standout performance in a Ranji Trophy match against the same opponent, where he claimed a match haul of seven wickets. This was his first competitive game following his return from injury.