Indian pacer Mohammed Shami has resumed 'low-intensity' training at Bangalore's National Cricket Academy as he approaches full fitness following a wrist injury he suffered during India's eight-wicket defeat in Adelaide against Australia in the first of the four-Test series. The 30-year-old will continue his training at 50 per cent intensity, meaning that he could potentially return for the last two Tests of the ongoing England series.
Shami took a hit on his wrist on December 19 off a Pat Cummins bouncer and was subsequently ruled out of the entire series. He was also forced to miss the first two Tests of the England series. The 30-year-old took to social media to share a clip of his training alongside Navdeep Saini, who was also ruled out of the first two Tests owing to a groin muscle injury.
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"Shami's forearm is fine right now. He will have some low-intensity net sessions for the next few days. He has been advised to bowl around 18 deliveries a day at 50 to 60 per cent effort," a source in the know of things told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
"Since has been out for more than month and half, that is how the workload will be built," the source added.
"He is bowling from a shorter run-up, working to get some feel back. By the next week, the training will be of medium intensity and a final call can then be taken if he will be available for selection for the final two Tests in Ahmedabad.
"The pink ball Test is still two and half weeks away (February 24). There is a very good chance that Shami will be fit and available for selection.
"That he has started bowling means that his forearm is fine. He doesn't have any other niggles as of now so by the end of next week, a more clearer picture will emerge," said the source.
The squad for the final two Tests will be named during the second Test, which will be played in Chennai from February 13.
Feature image courtesy: AFP / Marty Melville
