Will Mohammed Shami be Fit for the England Tour?
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Synopsis
As the Indian cricket team gears up for its England tour, the absence of pacer Mohammed Shami due to fitness concerns raises questions about the team's bowling strength. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar's announcement adds to the uncertainty surrounding Shami's future in Test cricket, especially after his recent struggles with injuries.
Key Takeaways
- Mohammed Shami is ruled out of the England tour due to fitness issues.
- Shami's last Test was in June 2023 against Australia.
- His absence opens up opportunities for other bowlers, including Arshdeep Singh.
- Shami had successful tours in England previously, raising concerns about his future in Test cricket.
- Monitoring player fitness is crucial for the success of the Indian cricket team.
New Delhi, May 24 (NationPress) As India prepares to finalize its 18-member squad for the upcoming five-match series against England starting June 20, the availability of Mohammed Shami has been one of the key concerns.
On Saturday, chief selector Ajit Agarkar addressed this uncertainty, confirming that Shami is currently unfit for the series, creating a significant gap in India’s fast bowling lineup for the tour. Shami's last appearance in a Test match was during the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia in June 2023, with no subsequent Test matches played since then.
At a press conference held at the BCCI headquarters, Agarkar disclosed that fitness challenges and an inability to handle the rigorous bowling load required for Test matches have led to Shami's exclusion from the England squad. However, he did not elaborate on the specifics of Shami's recent fitness issues, which have hindered his bowling capabilities for an extended period.
“He has been working to regain fitness for the series, but he encountered a setback recently, and some MRIs were conducted. I don’t see him being able to participate in five Tests, and currently, his workload isn’t adequate. Medical professionals have informed us that he is not available for selection,” Agarkar stated.
“We were optimistic about his availability for at least part of the series, but given his current fitness status, it’s challenging to keep waiting. Therefore, we must proceed with players who are fit. It’s unfortunate to miss out on a bowler of his caliber, but he is not in a condition to be selected,” he added.
Shami had undergone ankle surgery in February 2024 to address a longstanding Achilles issue and was expected to be fit for the home series against New Zealand. However, a right knee swelling led to his exclusion from the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia, despite his return to the game in a Ranji Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh in Indore.
Earlier this year, Shami played T20Is and ODIs against England at home before contributing to India’s successful ICC Champions Trophy campaign, where he achieved a five-wicket haul against Bangladesh. However, his performance for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2025 was below par, with just six wickets at an average of 56.16 and an economy rate of 11.23 across nine matches.
Sources have informed IANS that the BCCI medical team evaluated Shami's bowling fitness in Lucknow on May 22, ahead of SRH's match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on May 23. While the evaluation for Nitish Kumar Reddy was positive, Shami's results were concerning.
“Shami was encouraged to enhance his bowling load and participate in at least one India A match, but this did not occur as the medical team determined his fitness levels were not sufficient for a demanding tour in England. Consequently, he was not included in the squad,” the sources added.
Shami has participated in India's last three Test tours of England in 2014, 2018, and 2021, claiming 42 wickets in 14 Tests at an average of 40.50. His standout performance in England was in 2018, where he took 16 wickets in five matches.
With left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh selected for the England tour, Shami's ongoing fitness challenges and inadequate bowling load have cast doubt on his future in the Indian Test team.
Point of View
The fitness issues surrounding Mohammed Shami highlight the ongoing challenges athletes face in maintaining peak performance. While his absence is a setback for the Indian team, it also presents an opportunity for emerging talent to shine on the international stage. The evolving dynamics of player fitness and selection are crucial for the future success of Indian cricket.
NationPress
01/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Mohammed Shami not playing in the England tour?
Mohammed Shami is currently unfit due to ongoing fitness issues and an inability to handle the bowling workload required for Test matches, which led to his exclusion from the squad.
When was Shami's last Test match?
Shami's last Test appearance was during the World Test Championship final against Australia in June 2023.
What injury did Shami undergo surgery for?
He underwent ankle surgery in February 2024 to address a long-standing Achilles issue.
How has Shami performed in past tours of England?
Shami has been part of India's last three Test tours of England, claiming 42 wickets in 14 Tests at an average of 40.50, with his best performance in 2018, taking 16 wickets.
Who will replace Shami in the England tour?
Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh has been selected to join the squad for the England series, filling the gap left by Shami.
