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Mohammed Shami Set for ODI Return Against England, Eyes Champions Trophy Spot: Report

Mohammed Shami nears ODI comeback against England, with selectors optimistic about his Champions Trophy readiness.

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Mohammed Shami Set for ODI Return Against England, Eyes Champions Trophy Spot: Report
Senior Indian pacer Mohammed Shami is poised for a much-anticipated return to the Indian cricket team for the upcoming white-ball series against England and could also secure a spot in the 2024 Champions Trophy squad, reports Cricbuzz. Shami, sidelined since the 2023 World Cup final in November due to surgery on his right heel, has recently resumed playing competitive white-ball cricket.

According to the report, Shami’s return hinges on final clearance from the BCCI and the National Cricket Academy (NCA). However, it is believed that the pacer is nearing full fitness and ready to make his international comeback.

The NCA’s medical team has been closely monitoring Shami’s rehabilitation, ensuring he adhered to a detailed recovery program. After undergoing heel surgery, Shami made steady progress but faced a brief setback due to knee swelling, which ruled him out of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Despite this, his recent appearances in domestic cricket, particularly for Bengal in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, have demonstrated promising signs.

Shami is expected to feature in the pre-quarterfinal against Haryana in Baroda, where Indian selectors will likely observe his performance to evaluate his readiness for the England series. Early impressions from his domestic games suggest that Shami has been bowling comfortably, with no visible signs of discomfort from his injury.

The BCCI has been keeping a close watch on Shami, with NCA physiotherapists accompanying him to domestic matches, including the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy in Rajkot and the Vijay Hazare Trophy in Hyderabad. These measures indicate the board’s cautious approach to his return.

The report further states that there is optimism about Shami’s availability, with selectors expected to make a final decision after assessing his performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy knockouts. If cleared, he is likely to be included in the Indian squad for the England series and could be a key player in the Champions Trophy.

Akash Deep Likely to Miss England Series

Meanwhile, pacer Akash Deep, who was part of the Indian squad during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, is unlikely to participate in the upcoming England ODIs. Akash Deep missed the fifth Test at the SCG due to back pain and is expected to be sidelined for at least a month.

The pacer will report to the NCA’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for further rehabilitation after returning to India.

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