NEW DELHI: India’s star pacer Mohammed Shami is not fully fit for the remaining two Tests of Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, owing to minor swelling on his left knee, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on Monday.
“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,” the Board said in a statement.
“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,” the statement further read.
After participating in a Ranji Trophy fixture for Bengal against Madhya Pradesh in November, where Shami delivered 43 overs, he proceeded to feature in all nine fixtures of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT). During the tournament, he supplemented his match workload with additional bowling practice sessions to enhance his endurance and prepare himself for the upcoming Test series.
Following an evaluation by the BCCI medical team, it has been established that additional time is necessary to manage the controlled bowling workload on his knee. As a result, he has been declared unfit for selection in the final 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.”