Mohammed Shami had last played a Test for India in 2023 -- the WTC final, which was two years back. The post All’s not over for Mohammed Shami, Duleep Trophy litmus test to return to red-ball cricket appeared first on Inside Sport India.
There is a big question mark over Mohammed Shami‘s future, especially when in comes to Test cricket. He wasn’t picked for the IND vs ENG series, and is about to turn 35 in a month’s time. Now, he has been picked in the East Zone squad for the Duleep Trophy, and that tournament, as per a report in the Telegraph, could determine, if he can prolong his red-ball career or not.
Mohammed Shami in East Zone Squad for Duleep Trophy
The pacer is slated to make it to the playing XI for sure, when East Zone open their campaign against North Zone in the quarters. And a close watch will be over his fitness. Even though he had played a Ranji match already upon his return, but his frequent breaks for assistance didn’t help his case. It could very well his one of his last chances.
“In all probability, Shami will be playing the first game. He’s busy with his preparation too at his academy back home (in Amroha). He’s getting ready,” a source close to the pacer said. Another source in the BCCI said, “If Shami comes up with an impact-making performance against North Zone, the selectors will certainly take notice because his quality cannot be ruled out.
Could be in for West Indies Series
“But what we need to see is whether he’ll play even if East Zone clear the quarter-final stage and continue to make progress. Will his body permit, given his dodgy knee and hamstring? In the Ranji game, he used to bowl three-four overs in a spell and go off the ground. So, whether his body can take the rigours of a multi-day game goes on and on to be a tricky question.”
It also seems that the selectors are keen on pacers, who still can serve at least 7-8 years, to the nation. “Yes, how Shami fares in this Duleep Trophy will present a clearer picture of the prospects of his Test comeback. But one also needs to know if Shami himself is keen on making a comeback in the longest format,” a Board official said.
Fitness & Age Issues
“First of all, he wasn’t dropped because of form. Fitness issues are the only reason why he couldn’t travel to England. “After missing the last tour of Australia, his presence was pretty much needed for the England series. The selectors had also spoken to him before finalising the squad, but he didn’t sound too confident. That much-needed assurance from him was missing.
“Besides, age is not on Shami’s side. The preference, thus, will be someone who still has seven-eight years of cricket left in him rather than an individual who’ll be turning 35 soon,” the official further added.
The post All’s not over for Mohammed Shami, Duleep Trophy litmus test to return to red-ball cricket appeared first on Inside Sport India.
