Fitness Concerns Keep Shami Out of England Tests

Mohammed Shami’s potential comeback to the Indian Test squad for the England series was anticipated, especially after he was seen practicing with a unique ball training at Sunrisers Hyderabad. However, he was not selected. Shami last played a Test match for India in the 2023 World Test Championship Final against Australia. He has been involved in domestic cricket but did not satisfy the selectors regarding his fitness, leading to his exclusion from the Australia tour. A BCCI official shared that the selection panel, led by Ajit Agarkar, recognized the value of Shami’s experience, especially with Jasprit Bumrah expected to play in only a few Tests. Despite this, Shami’s uncertainty about his fitness led to caution among the selectors. The official clarified that fitness issues were the sole reason for his absence from the England series. The selectors consulted with Shami before finalizing the squad, but they didn’t receive the necessary confidence from him. Shami is expected to participate in the Duleep Trophy 2025, which begins on August 28, with the East Zone and North Zone teams competing in the quarter-finals at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.