India’s Mohammed Shami during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 closing match between India and Australia. File.
| Photo Credit: PTI
Senior pacer Mohammed Shami, who’s recovering from an ankle harm, is racing against time to be fit for the Test series against South Africa, beginning at Centurion on December 26.
Though Shami was included within the Test squad that was introduced on November 30, the 33-year-old’s availability was subjected to his restoration after the therapy.
In that context, PTI understands that Shami won’t board the flight to South Africa together with different members of the Test squad comparable to captain Rohit Sharma, senior batter Virat Kohli, fellow pacer Jasprit Bumrah and others.
They are scheduled to fly out to Johannesburg on Friday.
Shami is likely to proceed his recuperation at dwelling, and the pacer might make a return during the Test series at dwelling against England ranging from January 25 at Hyderabad.
If a alternative is certainly required for Shami, then the selectors beneath Ajit Agarkar have the choice of drafting in a bowler from the India ‘A’ squad which is at the moment taking part in in South Africa.
Before the primary match against South Africa, the Test facet members will play a three-day intra-squad match from December 20.
The second Test against the Proteas will begin at Cape Town from January 3, 2024.
Meanwhile, Shami has one thing to cheer for as he was nominated for the distinguished Arjuna Award on Wednesday.
As per the knowledge obtained from the Sports Ministry, a particular request was made by the BCCI to the ministry to embody Shami’s identify as he initially did not determine within the record.
