NEW DELHI: Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami is expected to be sidelined for the first two Test matches against England, scheduled to commence on January 25, as he has not resumed bowling following his ankle injury.
Shami's participation in the Test series was subject to his recovery post-treatment, and it seems that he has not yet proven his fitness.
Yet to start bowling
According to a report in the Indian Express, Shami has not started bowling, and he will need to go to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) to demonstrate his fitness.
The 33-year-old pacer was included in the Test squad against South Africa too, subject to fitness, but was not cleared by the BCCI Medical Team.
Why BCCI may not rush Shami's comeback
The BCCI is likely to exercise caution in Shami's return, considering that fellow fast bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah are available for the five-match Test series against England.
With spin expected to play a significant role in home conditions, the team management may opt not to rush Shami's comeback.
Surya out of domestic season
In another setback, Suryakumar Yadav, the dynamic white-ball batter and recent T20I captain, is set to miss the entire domestic season and potentially the initial phase of the IPL due to a sports hernia.
Yadav, who will undergo surgery in Germany after being diagnosed with sports hernia, is currently recuperating at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.
According to a source in the BCCI, Yadav's recovery process will involve surgery in Munich, Germany, ruling him out for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy and likely causing him to miss the early IPL matches for the Mumbai Indians.
(With inputs from Agencies)
