Mohammed Shami Eyes Ranji Return, Rekindles Hopes For Border-Gavaskar Series

India’s fast bowler Mohammed Shami was all set to get back into action once again after a long injury break. Shami, who suffered an ankle injury after last year’s ODI World Cup Final, is all set to return as his state team Bengal is to take on Madhya Pradesh in the on-going Ranji Trophy.

The primary wicket-taker of ODI World Cup, Shami, underwent ankle surgery barely weeks after World Cup. He had targeted to return well in time for New Zealand Test series, but a knee injury that he had suffered picked up during his rehab period and lengthened his recovery.

The Cricket Association of Bengal said inclusion of Shami in the Bengal team would not only be a huge boost but also raise the morale of the whole team and try and reach the next round of the Ranji Trophy.

At present, Bengal occupies the fifth position on the points table with 8 points from 4 matches. They have just gained 3 against Karnataka and are now facing Madhya Pradesh on the fifth round of the tournament at the latter’s home on Wednesday, November 13.

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In October, Shami had been posting regular updates about his recovery, mentioning his readiness to return to full-speed bowling. “I am very happy with the way I bowled yesterday. I was bowling from half run-up before that to avoid too much load. But yesterday I decided to go full tilt and I bowled at 100 percent,” Shami said while interacting with the reporters during the Bengaluru Test match against New Zealand. “The result was good. I am 100 percent pain-free.”

India’s captain, Rohit Sharma had already spoken about Shami’s frequent knee issues but had brushed away reports in the media which said that he was still struggling with it, just ahead of his exclusion from the New Zealand series.