Mohammed Shami provided a fitness update, saying he is working hard to return but doesn’t want to rush and risk reinjury. Recovering from an ankle injury since last year’s ODI World Cup, Shami is in the final stages of rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.
Speaking at the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) annual awards ceremony, Shami said that he has been working hard to make a comeback. The 34-year-old added that he needs to work on his fitness so there is no discomfort.
“I am working hard to make a comeback soon because I know I have been out of action for quite some time. I want to ensure there is no discomfort when I return. I have to work on my fitness so there is no discomfort,” Shami was quoted by ICC as saying.
Shami revealed his comeback plans ahead of India’s second leg of World Test Championship (WTC) matches and said that he won’t take any chances until he is 100 per cent fit.
“The stronger I return, the better it is for me. I don’t want to rush and risk getting injured again, be it against Bangladesh, New Zealand, or the Australia series. I’ve already started bowling, but I won’t take any chances until I am 100 per cent fit,” he added.
“If I need to play domestic cricket to test my fitness, I will. What matters most is that I am fully ready for whatever comes next, regardless of the opposition or format,” he further added.
He resumed bowling in July and is gradually increasing his workload without any discomfort. Shami emphasized he won’t return until he’s 100% fit and is open to playing domestic cricket to test his fitness ahead of India’s World Test Championship matches against Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Australia.
Shami aims to return for India’s upcoming World Test Championship matches.