Veteran Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami is reportedly ruled out of the first two Tests of the upcoming five-match series against England. According to recent reports, Mohammed Shami, who is recovering from a heel injury, is yet to start bowling training.

Mohammed Shami had an outstanding performance in the recent ODI World Cup 2023. The right-arm pacer emerged as the best wicket-taker of the tournament. He took 24 wickets in seven games at an impressive average of 10.70, with three five-wicket hauls.

The 33-year-old was excluded from India’s squad for the recently concluded two-match Test series against South Africa. Although he was initially named in the Indian Test team, he did not receive fitness clearance from the BCCI medical team or the team management.

Mohammed Shami hasn’t even started bowling: reports

According to a report in the Indian Express, Mohammed Shami is yet to start bowling and his participation in the first two Tests against England seems doubtful. Suryakumar Yadav might need eight to nine weeks before he can start training.

“Shami hasn’t even started bowling, he will have to go to the NCA and prove his fitness. He looks doubtful for the first two Tests against England,” an Indian board source told the Indian Express.

Shami played in four Test matches in 2023, including the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia at The Oval. The veteran pacer secured 13 wickets at an average of 31.92. He took four wickets in the WTC final where the Indian team suffered a defeat.

India are likely to rotate their fast bowlers throughout the Test series, especially considering the spin-friendly conditions. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, who were rested for the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan, will feature in the series against England.

BCCI to send Suryakumar Yadav abroad for surgery

Suryakumar Yadav, the number one ranked T20I batsman, suffered an ankle injury while playing in the third T20I against South Africa at the Wanderers. He has been excluded from the squad for the upcoming three-match series against Afghanistan, which begins on January 11.

Suryakumar is dealing with a hernia that requires surgery. The BCCI medical team is closely monitoring Yadav and seeking opinions from specialists on Yadav’s hernia condition. The cricket board is considering sending him abroad to undergo the required procedure.

“In Yadav’s case, it will take longer than expected. After his hernia operation, it could be up to eight weeks before he starts training. Hopefully, he will be fit during the IPL,” the source said.

Suryakumar Yadav was not expected to feature in the Test series against England. The middle-order batsman is expected to return to action during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. He is expected to play a crucial role for India in the T20 World Cup 2024 in June.

India T20I squad for Afghanistan series: Rohit Sharma (C), S Gill, Y Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, W Sundar, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan and Mukesh Kumar.

Also Read: IND vs SA: “Mohammed Shami will be a great miss, but…” – Rohit Sharma reveals India’s third pacer