Shami Aims for Domestic Matches to Showcase Fitness for Australia, Claims ‘100%’ Pain-Free

Mohammed Shami has announced that he is now “100%” pain-free following a setback in his recovery. The 34-year-old fast bowler aims to prove his fitness for the upcoming Australia tour by playing “one or two domestic matches.” Shami, who hasn’t played for India since the 2023 ODI World Cup, shared that he bowled with a…


Select Shami Aims for Domestic Matches to Showcase Fitness for Australia, Claims ‘100%’ Pain-Free Shami Aims for Domestic Matches to Showcase Fitness for Australia, Claims ‘100%’ Pain-Free

Mohammed Shami has announced that he is now “100%” pain-free following a setback in his recovery. The 34-year-old fast bowler aims to prove his fitness for the upcoming Australia tour by playing “one or two domestic matches.”

Shami, who hasn’t played for India since the 2023 ODI World Cup, shared that he bowled with a full run-up at Chinnaswamy Stadium after the first Test between India and New Zealand. He felt optimistic about his recovery.

“It felt great yesterday. Before that, I had been using a half run-up to avoid straining my body,” Shami said during an event in Gurgaon on October 21. “We decided I would bowl at full intensity for the last two sessions, and I gave it my all. The results were encouraging, and I’m hopeful about getting back on track soon.”

After the World Cup, Shami dealt with a left Achilles heel injury, along with knee complications. Rohit Sharma recently mentioned that Shami experienced swelling in his knee as he approached full fitness, making it challenging to assess his readiness for the team. Rohit noted that taking an “undercooked” Shami to Australia would not be wise.

“I know everyone is wondering if I will go to Australia, but that series is still a month away,” Shami said, emphasizing he feels completely pain-free.

“My focus is on staying fit and strengthening myself for the tour. I understand the kind of attack we need for the Test series, so it’s best for me to work on my skills and spend more time on the field before I go.”

Shami added that if he feels fit and has an eight to ten-day gap, he plans to play a couple of domestic matches before traveling to Australia.


Mohammed Shami Fires at Full Pace in Bengaluru Practice


“I don’t know when I’ll play next, but once I’m comfortable bowling 20-30 overs and get the go-ahead from my doctors, I’ll be ready for a match. I want to maximize my time on the field before the series.”

The first Test between Australia and India is set to begin on November 22 in Perth.