NewKerala.com

Key Points

Mohammed Shami's chances of featuring in India's Test squad for England appear slim as selectors weigh his fitness concerns. Despite bowling in the IPL, his workload may not meet Test cricket demands after ankle surgery and knee issues. The BCCI medical team is evaluating his condition before finalizing the squad. If excluded, India may turn to younger pacers like Prasidh Krishna or Arshdeep Singh for the high-stakes series.

Key Points: Shami Unlikely for India's England Tour as Medical Report Looms

  • Shami's IPL fitness doesn't guarantee Test readiness
  • BCCI medical team assessing his knee and ankle recovery
  • Selectors may opt for younger pacers like Prasidh Krishna
  • Shami last played Tests in 2023 WTC final
2 min read

Shami's unlikely to feature in India's squad for England tour; Medical report likely to determine selection

Mohammed Shami's Test return in doubt as BCCI assesses fitness ahead of India's England tour, with selectors weighing workload concerns.

"Shami hasn't built up the required workload for Test cricket demands – ESPNcricinfo"

New Delhi, May 23

India's seasoned seamer Mohammed Shami is unlikely to board the plane to England for the upcoming five high-stakes Tests, scheduled to begin on June 20 at Headingley, according to ESPNcricinfo.

Shami, who is fit to bowl for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL), hasn't necessarily built up the required workload for the high demands of Test cricket, according to ESPNcricinfo. His last appearance for India in the red-ball setup dates back to the World Test Championship final against Australia in 2023.

According to ESPNcricinfo, a member of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) medical staff travelled to Lucknow this week to assess Shami's fitness level before Hyderabad's fixture against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Friday.

It hasn't been confirmed if the selectors have made up their minds about giving up on Shami for the series. However, it is highly likely that they will play safe and drop Shami unless a favourable report comes from the medical staff.

The 34-year-old stayed away from the on-field action for over a year due to an ankle injury. Shami recovered successfully from the ankle surgery in February 2024 but started suffering pain in his right knee, for which he has been seeking treatment.

Last year returned to the domestic circuit and featured in the Ranji Trophy for Bengal. With his experience, Shami enjoyed a fruitful outing and returned with seven scalps against Madhya Pradesh last year. Rumour mill suggested his return during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia; however, the series went by, and there were no signs of him.

The 34-year-old was assigned to bowl with the new ball for India across formats in 2025. He represented the nation in the title-winning Champions Trophy campaign earlier this year and ended the campaign as the joint second-highest wicket-taker.

Shami has represented India in 64 Tests and scalped 229 wickets at an average of 27.1, boasting six five-wicket hauls. Even for Hyderabad in IPL 2025, Shami has six wickets at an average of 56.16 and an economy rate of 11.23 in 13 group-stage fixtures. If the selectors opt to go against picking Shami, there are other prospects that they can look up to.

Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Mukesh Kumar, Yash Dayal, Anshul Kamboj, Khaleel Ahmed and Harshit Rana are to name a few who can tour England for the highly anticipated series.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Tough call but probably the right one. Test cricket in England demands peak fitness and Shami hasn't had enough match practice. Better to give chance to younger bowlers like Prasidh Krishna who can handle the workload. #TeamIndia
P
Priya M.
Shami's experience would have been invaluable in English conditions 😔 But health comes first. His IPL performance hasn't been great either - 11.23 economy is worrying. Maybe time to blood new talent like Harshit Rana?
A
Arjun S.
BCCI making the right call here. Remember what happened with Bumrah when we rushed him back? England series is crucial but we need fit bowlers who can last 5 Tests. Shami should focus on full recovery for future assignments.
S
Sunita R.
Mixed feelings about this! On one hand, Shami is a proven match-winner (229 Test wickets!). But his recent form doesn't inspire confidence. Maybe give Arshdeep Singh a chance? He's been consistent in IPL and has good swing bowling skills for England conditions.
V
Vikram J.
The medical team's assessment should be final. No point risking a champion bowler's career for one series. Shami has given his all for India - let's respect that and give him time to heal properly. Wishing him speedy recovery! 🙏
N
Neha P.
Honestly, our bowling attack looks weak without Shami. England batsmen will be relieved! But health is more important than any match. Hope the selectors give chance to Akash Deep - he's been impressive in domestic cricket.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50