India’s bowling spearhead Mohammad Shami has confirmed he is nearing full fitness and is hopeful of making a comeback in the third Test against Australia in Ranchi, starting March 16. The right-arm pacer’s inclusion in the side would do wonders for the team’s bowling line-up, which has looked hapless so far in the series.
Shami, after authenticating his return news, is all set to feature in Bengal’s final Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Gujarat at Chepauk on Monday (March 6). If the seamer feels he has attained complete fitness by the end of day’s play, he is sure of heading the bowling set up in another 10 days.
“I am eagerly looking at making a comeback to the Test side. I wanted to test my fitness level and so I am here. It also gives me a chance to play for my state side for the first time this season.”
The 26-year-old sustained a knee injury during the Mohali Test against England and has been out of action since then.
“I am feeling good. But then, when you are playing your first match after injury, you might feel a bit of discomfort. So I will need to see how I feel when I give my 100 percent.”
Going by his words, Shami practiced with the Indian team last week at the NCA and coach Anil Kumble seems happy with his progress. The Indian team has looked clueless against the resilience showed by Australian batsman and to get things straight, Kumble happened to ask him whether he’ll be able to persist for five days or would he need more time to get back into the groove.
“I was also practicing with the Indian team when I was at the NCA last week. I had a chat with (coach) Anil Kumble and he seemed happy with my fitness. But he too had asked me to play a match before my body can take the grind of a Test match.”