India have some concerns ahead of the Border Gavaskar Trophy, including injuries to some players and the recent form of the sure starters. However, the team has a lot of momentum ahead of the big series, with an injured player slowly regaining his rhythm.

According to ESPNcricinfo, Mohammed Shami, who has been out of action since last year, was seen bowling smoothly on the main pitch following India’s loss against New Zealand in Bengaluru. While his left knee was badly damaged, Shami bowled for an extended period for India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar and India bowling coach Morne Morkel closely followed the session.

After some warm-ups, Shami paced his run and bowled at full speed, and then Morkel placed cones on the field, while the Indian player continued bowling. He also participated in the fielding drill near the boundary midway through his bowling session.

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Meanwhile, Shami also had a 45-minute session on practice fields after the close of Day 2 in Bengaluru. He bowled short and long runs in this session, showing that he is close to regaining his fitness ahead of the five-match Test series in Australia.

Mohammed Shami has not been available since the 2023 World Cup final

Mohammed Shami has not played competitive cricket since the 2023 World Cup final, where Australia defeated India in Ahmedabad. He participated in that tournament with an ankle injury, but finished as the leading wicket-taker, grabbing 24 wickets at 10.70 runs apiece.

Following the end of the tournament, Shami underwent surgery to repair his ankle in London in February of that year. Initially, he was supposed to return through the Ranji Trophy, where he plays for Bengal.

However, fresh swelling in his knee was a major setback as Shami was unable to play cricket again and had to extend his rehabilitation. However, he revealed that he is working hard to get fit for the Border Gavaskar Trophy.

India will need a fit Mohammed Shami for the tour of Australia as he has the skills to make regular breakthroughs. His partnership with Jasprit Bumrah will play a crucial role in determining India’s performance in the series.

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