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Mohammed Shami Struggles With His Fitness; Selection Doubtful For England Tour

Abhinav Tyagi

Mohammed Shami - (Source :@Johns/X.com)Mohammed Shami - (Source :@Johns/X.com)

While the IPL is suspended because of the escalated tensions between India and Pakistan, the focus has now shifted to India's upcoming Test series against England that starts on June 20. The fans are awaiting the squad for the upcoming series, while the selectors also have a new task in hand which is to appoint a new captain.

It is worth noting that Rohit Sharma recently announced his Test retirement and reports suggest that Shubman Gill is likely to be the new captain of the Indian team in Test cricket. Talking about the squad announcement, it is likely to be revealed in the next few days, but they also have a headache in front of them which is a decision on Mohammed Shami.

Mohammed Shami Struggling In The Nets

Notably, Shami isn't looking the same bowler that India boasted during 2023 World Cup. Following that tournament, the right-arm seamer was out for a year and marked his return to international cricket with England T20Is. He is yet to play a Test since his return from injury and recent reports suggest that the SRH star isn't fully fit for the red-ball cricket.

A recent report from Times Of India stated that Shami is getting tired in the nets and is struggling to finish his run-ups and returns to dugouts after short spells, which is stopping him from becoming an automatic selection in the Indian team. 

"As of now, Shami isn't an automatic pick. It's been months since he has come back to international cricket but he has barely been in rhythm. While IPL performances are not usually considered while picking India teams, Shami is struggling to finish his run-up and the ball is not carrying to the wicketkeeper like it used to before his Achilles tendon injury after the 2023 ODI World Cup. He invariably goes back to the dressing room after a short spell for recovery," BCCI sources told the national daily.

While IPL performances are not a parameter for selection in India's Test team, but he has struggled in the cash-studded league and has taken just 6 wickets in nine innings. Now it is to be seen whether the BCCI selectors will entrust Shami and pick him for the England tour.