Will Mohammed Shami Play Rest Of Australia Matches? BCCI Update (Image: BCCI)

The Indian cricket board BCCI has announced that Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami will not participate in the remaining two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia due to fitness concerns.

Shami recently recovered from right heel surgery and displayed promising form by bowling 43 overs in a Ranji Trophy match for Bengal and participating in all nine games of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Despite these efforts, Shami has experienced minor swelling in his left knee, attributed to increased joint loading from his bowling workload.

The BCCI Medical Team, based at the Centre of Excellence, has assessed that Shami requires more time for controlled exposure to bowling loads. To ensure his long-term fitness for the Test format, he will undergo targeted strength and conditioning work under medical supervision.

Shami’s recovery progress will determine his participation in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy. While his absence is a setback for India, the team management prioritises his fitness for future campaigns.

Here’s BCCI full statement:

“The BCCI Medical Team at the Centre of Excellence has been working closely with Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami on his recovery and rehabilitation after his right heel surgery. Shami has completely recovered from this heel problem.

Shami bowled 43 overs in the Ranji Trophy match for Bengal against Madhya Pradesh in November. Following this, he played in all nine games of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), where he also engaged in additional bowling sessions on the sidelines to build his bowling volume in order to get ready for the Test matches.

However, his left knee has exhibited minor swelling due to increased joint loading from his bowling workload. The swelling is on the expected lines, owing to the increased bowling after a prolonged period.

Based on the current medical assessment, the BCCI Medical Team has determined that his knee requires more time for controlled exposure to bowling loads. Consequently, he has not been deemed fit for consideration for the remaining two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Shami will continue to undergo targeted strength and conditioning work under the guidance of the medical staff at BCCI’s Centre of Excellence and build his bowling loads needed to meet the demands of the longest format of the game. His participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy will depend on the progress of his knee.”