Shami Ruled Out of Remaining Border-Gavaskar Tests

New Delhi: Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has been ruled out of the remaining two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia due to a minor swelling on his left knee. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the news on Monday.

The BCCI medical team has been closely monitoring Shami’s recovery and rehabilitation after his right heel surgery. While he has fully recovered from the heel problem, the increased bowling workload has caused minor swelling in his left knee.

“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,” the Board said in a statement. “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 medical team has decided that Shami needs additional time to manage his bowling workload on his knee. As a result, he has been declared unfit for selection in the final 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. His participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy will depend on the progress of his knee.

Shami’s absence is a major blow to India’s bowling attack. He is one of the most experienced and skilled bowlers in the team, and his ability to swing the ball both ways make him a difficult bowler to face. India will now have to rely on the rest of their bowling attack to take 20 wickets in the remaining two Tests.