BCCI provide crucial fitness update on Mohammed Shami ahead of 4th BGT 2024-25 Test

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have issued a crucial update on star seamer Mohammed Shami's fitness ahead of the final two Tests against Australia. The board confirmed that the veteran had recovered from his heel issue, but will not be available for the remaining Tests due to swelling in his left knee.

Shami has not played for India since the 2023 World Cup final defeat to Australia. While he did start bowling after recovering from the heel injury, he failed to get to the required fitness level for the high-octane series in Australia.

BCCI released a statement to give an update on the 34-year-old's fitness. It read:

"The BCCI Medical Team at the Centre of Excellence has been working closely with Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami on his recovery and rehabilitation after his right heel surgery. Shami has completely recovered from this heel problem. However, his left knee has exhibited minor swelling due to increased joint loading from his bowling workload. The swelling is on the expected lines, owing to the increased bowling after a prolonged period."

The statement added that the knee issue had rendered the 34-year-old unavailable for the final two Tests Down Under. His participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy also remains doubtful.

"Based on the current medical assessment, the BCCI Medical Team has determined that his knee requires more time for controlled exposure to bowling loads. Consequently, he has not been deemed fit for consideration for the remaining two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

"Shami will continue to undergo targeted strength and conditioning work under the guidance of the medical staff at BCCI’s Centre of Excellence and build his bowling loads needed to meet the demands of the longest format of the game. His participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy will depend on the progress of his knee."

Shami sent down 43.2 overs in the only Ranji Trophy game he played this term for Bengal, against Madhya Pradesh, and took seven wickets. He also featured in all nine games of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for his state side.

Mohammed Shami was part of India's series victory in Australia in 2018-19

Shami was part of India's historic series victory over Australia Down Under in 2018-19, forming an incisive bowling attack alongside Ishant Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah. He picked up 16 wickets in eight innings at 26.18, making him the third-highest wicket-taker of the series.

He got injured while batting in the opening Test of the 2020-21 leg, ruling him out of the remaining matches. However, India bounced back from a 0-1 deficit to bag the series. The current five-Test series is locked at 1-1 with two games left.