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Shami Nearing Comeback

Shami’s possible return and addition to the Indian team will be a source of uplifting news for the Rohit Sharma-led side, who suffered a series defeat to New Zealand through a 113-run loss in the second Test at Pune…reports Asian Lite News

Though Mohammed Shami was a notable omission from India’s squad for the all-important Border-Gavaskar Trophy due to his ongoing ankle injury recovery, there is a likelihood of him joining the team mid-way after making a return to competitive cricket through last two rounds of the ongoing Ranji Trophy.

Shami, who’s taken 229 wickets in 64 Tests, made a return to bowling at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru and even bowled at the Indian team nets after they lost the Test series opener to New Zealand by eight wickets, where skipper Rohit Sharma had revealed the pacer had a setback in returning to action due to swelling on his knee.

Despite looking gingerly at times with a heavy strapping on his left knee, Shami seemed to have got a little bit of rhythm while bowling to Shubman Gill and a padded-up assistant coach Abhishek Nayar for more than an hour at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on October 20. The very next day, Shami said at a promotional event at Gurugram that he was 100% pain-free and expressed his keen interest in playing a few domestic matches.

Sources have made IANS understand that if all goes well, Shami will be available for Bengal’s Ranji Trophy matches against Karnataka in Bengaluru, starting from November 6 and then against Madhya Pradesh in Indore, commencing from November 13. If he gets the approval of being fully match fit from the decision makers to be a part of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Shami may link up with the Indian team and possibly be in action from the third game at Brisbane.

“Yes, we have heard that Shami may join the Bengal team for the Ranji Trophy match against Karnataka, as the side will be coming to Bengaluru, where he’s already training, preparing to his absolute best and doing his bowling practice at the NCA. Everyone around him has been working hard to ensure he hopefully gets to play the game against Karnataka from November 6.”

“The parameters NCA people could observe for him would be around the number of overs he bowls, and how his recovery process is after being out on the field for a day or even after featuring in all four days of the Ranji Trophy games. If all of the processes with regards to him go well, then one probably may see him be with the Indian team from the Brisbane Test happening from December 14-18,” said the source privy to the developments.

Shami, known for picking scalps with his good pace, ability to use the old ball for reverse-swing and have an upright seam position, last played competitive cricket when India played the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup final against Australia at Ahmedabad on November 19, 2023.

He then successfully underwent surgery on February 26 in London this year for solving his right achilles tendon problem and has been at the NCA since then for rehabilitation and recovery programme, followed by a gradual return to bowling.

Shami had played a pivotal role in India’s first-ever Test series win in Australia in 2018/19, where he picked 16 wickets in four matches at an average of 26.18. Though he didn’t play after the first Test in Adelaide in 2020/21 tour due to a fractured right forearm, India managed to secure an unforgettable 2-1 triumph.

His possible return and addition to the Indian team will be a source of uplifting news for the Rohit Sharma-led side, who suffered a series defeat to New Zealand through a 113-run loss in the second Test at Pune.

With the defeat to New Zealand breaking their streak of 18 consecutive series wins at home, India has to win at least four of its remaining six Tests to keep its hopes of playing the 2025 World Test Championship final alive.

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‘I’m in No Hurry’

Shami’s return will be crucial not only for Bengal but also for India, as the fast bowler remains a key figure in the Indian team’s plans for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, scheduled for November…reports Asian Lite News

Indian pace spearhead Mohammed Shami is steadily working towards a return to competitive cricket after being sidelined due to an ankle injury that has kept him out of action since November last year. As he focuses on regaining full fitness, Shami is eyeing a return to domestic cricket with Bengal in the ongoing Ranji Trophy.

The 34-year-old, who had played through the 2023 ODI World Cup despite his injury, where he was instrumental in India’s campaign by taking 24 wickets at an astonishing average of 10.70, is now prioritising his health. After undergoing surgery in February in London, Shami has been working on his recovery at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.

Shami bowled for more than an hour at full tilt in the nets after the conclusion of India’s first Test against New Zealand at M Chinnaswamy Stadium. With heavy strapping on his left knee, he bowled under the watchful eyes of bowling coach Morne Morkel and assistant coach Abhishek Nayar. Despite the rigorous session, Shami reported no discomfort and expressed confidence in his progress.

“Before yesterday, I was bowling off a half-run-up, but I decided to go with my full run-up after the match and it felt good. My body feels fine, and I am recovering well,” Shami said in an interview with IANS on Monday.

“The Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia is key, but I’m in no hurry. Once fully recovered, I want to play in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season for Bengal.”

Shami, who represents Bengal in domestic cricket, is aiming to feature in Bengal’s upcoming match against Kerala at Eden Gardens. Bengal’s first match of the season was abandoned without a ball being bowled, and Shami hopes to be cleared by the NCA medical team in time to contribute to his state side.

“It all depends on how I progress,” Shami said. “I feel no issues with my knees, but I still need clearance from the NCA medical team. Once they give me the green light, I’ll be ready to play for Bengal against Kerala.”

Shami’s return will be crucial not only for Bengal but also for India, as the fast bowler remains a key figure in the Indian team’s plans for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, scheduled for November. India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, had mentioned that Shami had faced a setback earlier with swelling in his knee, but the pacer is hopeful of a full recovery.

For now, Shami’s immediate focus remains on regaining his fitness and getting back to competitive cricket through domestic matches, ensuring that he is ready for the challenges ahead.

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Shami Tops ICC Player of the Month Nominations

Shammi bagged 15 wickets at an average of 12.06 with an economy rate of 5.68. Overall, he finished as the leading wicket-taker of the 2023 Cricket World Cup, with 24 wickets to his name from merely seven innings…reports Asian Lite News

India pacer Mohammed Shami, who ended the recently concluded ICC World Cup as the leading wicket-taker of the tournament, has been nominated for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month Award for November 2023 along with Australia’s batting sensation Travis Head and all-rounder Glenn Maxwell.

“Two ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 champions and an Indian fast-bowling veteran have made the shortlist for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month Award for November 2023,” the International Cricket Council (ICC) said in a statement.

Shami continued his golden run in the World Cup into November. He bagged 15 wickets at an average of 12.06 with an economy rate of 5.68. Overall, he finished as the leading wicket-taker of the 2023 Cricket World Cup, with 24 wickets to his name from merely seven innings.

Among his highlight efforts this month was a stunning 5/18 against Sri Lanka at Wankhede. Already under pressure in a 358-run chase, Shami’s arrival at the end of the first Powerplay spelt the end for Sri Lanka. In his five overs, he batted through their middle and lower order.

A focused 2/18 aided in the demolishment of South Africa at Eden Gardens. The quick bowler, however, shone in the semi-final against New Zealand.

Australia’s batting sensation Head returned to the squad after a long injury layoff at the end of October with a spectacular century against New Zealand and continued his good vein of form throughout November.

In November, he scored 220 runs in five One-Day Internationals at a remarkable average of 44, including a half-century and a century. Notable were his efforts in the Cricket World Cup semi-final and final, where he was named Player of the Match and played a key role in Australia’s sixth title.

Meanwhile, Australia’s star all-rounder Maxwell gathered 204 runs at an average of 204 with a strike rate of 152.23 in his three ODI outings last month, along with two wickets. In two T20Is in the series against India, he amassed an impressive 116 runs at a stunning strike rate of 207.14.

A golfing mishap had led to Maxwell’s absence from Australia’s match against England at the Cricket World Cup at the beginning of the month, but the all-rounder returned in style against Afghanistan.

His double hundred was the first by an Australian in Men’s One-Day Internationals and the second-fastest ever. It was also the first time a chaser scored a double century. This was also the highest score from someone ranked sixth or lower.

He later appeared in the T20I series against India, and his century in the third T20I in Guwahati helped Australia win. His 104* came off just 48 balls, with eight fours and eight sixes. It aided in the pursuit of India’s 223. (ANI)

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‘When you play for the country, you forget everything’

Shami stands out as the top bowler in the tournament, securing 24 wickets in eight games, including three remarkable five-wicket hauls. His journey since 2015 is likened to a captivating movie script…reports Asian Lite News

Mohammed Shami, the leading wicket-taker of the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023 with 24 wickets yet again set the tone in the final against Australia with a fiery start, claiming David Warner on his very first ball. But despite this promising beginning, India couldn’t seize the moment as they got beaten by Australia in the final.

Team India’s dream run came to an end with a billion heartbreaks as Australia clinched their sixth title by securing a six-wicket victory in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

Emerging as the most impressive bowler in the tournament with 24 wickets from eight games, including three impressive fifers, Shami’s journey since 2015 has been nothing short of a movie script.

Shami opened up about various facets of his difficult yet impressive cricketing journey, right from scoring a century as an opener in his first leather ball match, earning money through cricket for the first time at around 16 years of age, overcoming personal challenges bravely, creating an old-school training set-up at a farmhouse, to maiden India call-up and many more.

“Nobody knew the pain I was dealing with (during the 2015 edition),” Shami said in an interview.

“I had swelling in my knee before the 2015 tournament. Someone else could have said no but I have the ability to bear pain and I was told two options—either directly go for surgery or play the tournament and then go for the surgery. While the team would return to the hotel after every match, I would go to the hospital to take the injection. When you play for the country, you forget everything,“ shared Shami.

Shami in an interview with Puma also talked about the comeback and journey that has been a dream run for him after he underwent a knee operation.

“I was unconscious for two hours. When I woke up, I asked the doctor when I could start playing. He replied, ‘It will be a big achievement if you walk without a limp, forget playing. It all depends on how you go about your rehab,” Shami said.

Shami has not looked back since.

His comeback journey has been visibly inspirational. He not only surpassed the likes of bowling greats to become the highest wicket-taker for the country surpassing Zaheer Khan and Javagal Srinath in the world’s biggest cricket tournament with 55 wickets from 18 matches, but also created history earlier in the semi-finals when he registered India’s best ODI bowling figures of 7-57.

“Generally, bowlers check the pitch after arriving at the ground. I never go close to the wicket because you will know how it behaves only when you bowl on it. Then why take the pressure? It’s best to keep it simple, keep yourself relaxed and only then you will perform better,” said Shami, as he also revealed that he doesn’t follow any pre-match ritual.

Kohli Third, Gill Holds Ground in Rankings

Following an impressive display at the ODI World Cup, India batter Virat Kohli gained ground in the latest update to the ODI Player Rankings, moving up one spot to third. Meanwhile, his teammate Shubman Gill maintained his position at the top.

Kohli scored a tournament-best 765 runs during the recent ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup and that helped the right-hander jumped to third and within just 35 rating points of Gill, who remained on top of the batting chart.

Gill maintains a grip on the top spot with 826 rating points, narrowly ahead of Pakistan’s skipper, Babar Azam, who holds onto second place with 824 points. However, Kohli (791 points) and India’s skipper, Rohit Sharma (now in fourth place with 769 points, climbing one spot), are closing in after impressive displays in the World Cup.

Kohli reached triple figures on three occasions at the World Cup to break the record of former teammate Sachin Tendulkar for most ODI centuries, while Rohit smashed 597 runs as the India duo finished the tournament as the two leading run scorers.

Kohli famously held the No.1 ranking for a total of 1258 consecutive days during a reign of almost four years between 2017 and 2021, with Babar spending the majority of time in the premier position in recent years until Gill claimed top billing during the World Cup.

The rise of the India duo means South Africa opener Quinton de Kock drops two spots to fifth on the ODI batter rankings, with New Zealand right-hander Daryl Mitchell rising five spots to sixth on the back of his 552 runs at the World Cup.

The most notable mover is Australian opener Travis Head, who surged an impressive 28 places to reach 15th overall following his outstanding century and Player of the Match display in the World Cup final.

In the bowling chart, South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj remains on top, with India pair Mohammed Siraj (third) and Jasprit Bumrah (fourth) remain firmly nestled within the top 10 for ODI bowlers, while teammate Kuldeep Yadav drops one spot to equal sixth

A host of Australia players making some good ground after their successful World Cup campaign.

Experienced seamer Josh Hazlewood rises four places to second overall, fellow quick Mitchell Starc jumps eight spots to 12th, while skipper Pat Cummins improves seven rungs to 27th.

There isn’t much change inside the top 10 of the ODI rankings for all-rounders at the completion of the World Cup, with Bangladesh veteran Shakib Al Hasan maintaining a healthy lead at the head of proceedings. New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner drops two spots to seventh and Bangladesh’s Mehidy Hasan Miraz rises two places to ninth.

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Shami’s Seven Sensation

Shami is now the highest wicket-taker in this World Cup with 23 wickets in six just matches, overtaking Adam Zampa of Australia at the top…reports Asian Lite News

While the world swears by variations in bowling to do the trick, India pacer Mohammed Shami still believes in pitching it up and getting wickets with the new ball as he came up with a brilliant 7-57 to help India beat New Zealand and storm into the final of the ICC men’s ODI World Cup on Wednesday.

On a Wankhede pitch that was slow, dry and conducive for batting despite providing seam and swing early and sharp turn later, Shami provided India early breakthrough by claiming both the openers.

Player of the Match Shami, who came into the playing XI after Hardik Pandya got injured in India’s fourth match against Bangladesh, then came back to break the 163-run partnership between Kane Williamson (69) and Daryl Mitchell (134) to claim two wickets in an over to help India fight back.

“I was waiting for my chances. I didn’t play a lot of white-ball cricket. My return started against New Zealand [in Dharamsala]. We talk a lot of variations, but I still believe in pitching it up and getting wickets with the new ball,” Shami said in the post-match press conference on Wednesday.

Shami is now the highest wicket-taker in this World Cup with 23 wickets in six just matches, overtaking Adam Zampa of Australia at the top.

Shami’s third five-wicket haul in this tournament helped India reach the World Cup final after failing to cross the semis hurdle in the 2015 and 2019 editions.

“It feels amazing [this kind of performance]. Last two World Cups, we lost [in the semifinals]. Who knows when or if we’ll get a chance, so we wanted to do everything for this, one chance we didn’t want to let go,” he added.

He said though the wicket was good for batting, it also helped the bowlers as the usual dew was not there.

“The wicket was very good, lots of runs were scored in the afternoon. There was some fear of dew, the grass had been shaved off from the wicket. If dew was there, it skids on and there’s a chance runs could’ve been made,” he added.

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