Cricket

Mohammed Shami, India's seasoned pacer, is on the road to recovery after a year-long absence due to an ankle injury. The 34-year-old underwent Achilles tendon surgery earlier this year and has been working diligently to return to competitive cricket.Shami's recovery has progressed steadily, and he recently shared a video on social media showcasing his bowling prowess in the nets. The clip, accompanied by a motivational quote, highlights his determination to regain his fitness."Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out," Shami wrote.The veteran fast bowler has been training intensively, even bowling to India's assistant coach Abhishek Nayar in the nets after India's first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru.Despite nearing full fitness, Shami was ruled out of the ongoing three-Test series against New Zealand. However, he remains optimistic about his return as India prepares for a five-Test series in Australia next month."It felt great because I had been bowling with half a run-up on and off since I can't put too much stress on my body," Shami said earlier. "We decided that I would bowl properly, and I gave my 100%. It felt great, and the results are good. Hopefully, I'll be back on track soon."Shami emphasized the importance of spending more time on the field before India's crucial tour of Australia, which begins on November 22 in Perth. He also expressed his desire to play a couple of domestic matches to regain match fitness before embarking on the overseas tour."I know what kind of an attack we want for that Test series (against Australia), so it's better I spend some more time on the ground before going," Shami said. "If I get fit and I get a gap of eight to 10 days, then it's better I play one or two domestic matches before going to Australia."India will be hoping for a fully fit Shami to bolster their pace attack in what promises to be a high-intensity series Down Under.

Mohammed Shami, India's premier fast bowler, is determined to make a strong comeback to international cricket after recovering from an ankle injury. Shami, 34, last played in the 2023 ODI World Cup final and has been sidelined since then."I am working hard to make a comeback soon because I know I have been out of action for quite some time," Shami said at the Cricket Association of Bengal's (CAB) annual awards ceremony. However, he emphasized the importance of ensuring his fitness before returning to the field."I want to ensure there is no discomfort when I return. I've to work on my fitness, so that there is no discomfort," Shami said. "The stronger I return, the better it is for me. I don't want to rush and risk getting injured again."Shami has already started bowling but is not taking any chances until he is 100% fit. He is likely to make a comeback to competitive cricket for his domestic side Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, with a potential international appearance later in one of the Test matches against New Zealand."If I need to play domestic cricket to test my fitness, I will," Shami said. "What matters most is that I am fully ready for whatever comes next, regardless of the opposition or format."Shami is expected to be a key figure in India's preparations for the upcoming five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. "We are the favorites, they should be worried," Shami said confidently.

Jhye Richardson, the Australian fast bowler, has returned to the run-up that brought him success in Test cricket, hoping to put his injury woes behind him. Richardson has been plagued by hamstring injuries since his Test debut in 2019, suffering four setbacks since June 2022.Despite his injury struggles, Richardson has been retained on the national contract list, and selectors see him as a potential leader of the Test attack in the future. With the current frontline quicks all over 30, Richardson's fitness is crucial for Australia's long-term plans.Richardson has made a successful return to competitive cricket in the Top End T20 series in Darwin, playing for the Perth Scorchers. He has reverted to his traditional run-up, which sees him sprinting in at speeds of close to 22.5kph from earlier in his run-up."I've played two games [in Darwin], the body has been good," Richardson said. "It's obviously a different intensity playing competitive cricket again."Richardson believes that his previous run-up, which involved reaching top speed closer to the crease, may have contributed to his hamstring injuries. He is now focused on building resilience and avoiding problem areas."I'm trying to avoid problem areas and build that resilience that I haven't had in the past couple of years," Richardson said. "I have put a lot of work into my hamstring, so everyone is comfortable with the fact I can go back to what has worked previously."Richardson's return to fitness is a significant boost for Australia, who are facing a transition in their Test team. With all three frontline quicks over 30, Richardson is the most credentialed man to one day lead the attack."I think [it is important to be fit then], but we are looking pretty far into the future there," he said. "Taking it one step at a time, getting the body right and making sure everything is right on my end, and not worrying about what is happening externally."

Mohammed Shami, India's premier fast bowler, is poised for a comeback after a prolonged injury layoff. Shami last donned the Indian jersey in the 2023 ODI World Cup final, where he emerged as the tournament's leading wicket-taker despite battling an ankle injury.Since then, Shami has been sidelined for the entire 2023 season, missing major events like the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the T20 World Cup, which India won in his absence. However, the pacer has recently resumed training and is determined to regain full fitness.In a recent interview, Shami's close friend and fellow pacer Umesh Kumar revealed the secret behind Shami's exceptional bowling speed: his love for mutton. "Shami can tolerate everything, but he cannot survive without mutton," Kumar said. "If he doesn't eat 1kg mutton daily, his bowling speed will reduce by up to 15 kmph."Meanwhile, India's chief selector Ajit Agarkar expressed optimism that Shami will recover in time for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, starting September 19. "Shami has started to bowl, which is a good sign," Agarkar said. "September 19 is the first Test, and that was always the goal."Agarkar also emphasized the importance of monitoring first-class cricket to identify potential additions to the Test team. "We will need some depth," he said. "Bumrah, Shami, and Siraj have been around for a while, but there will be some conversation around it."Shami's return to the Indian team will be a significant boost for the side, especially with the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh and the ICC World Test Championship final on the horizon. The pacer's experience and wicket-taking ability will be crucial for India's success in these high-stakes matches.

Indian pace spearhead Mohammed Shami is determined to make a strong comeback to international cricket after a brief injury layoff. The veteran fast bowler has been diligently training in the nets, showcasing his unwavering determination to regain his place in the Indian team.Shami's last competitive appearance was in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup final against Australia, where he played through pain but still managed to impress with his pace and swing. He finished the tournament with an impressive 24 wickets in just seven matches, including three five-wicket hauls.Despite his exceptional performance, Shami was forced to miss the South Africa tour and the T20I series against Afghanistan due to an Achilles tendon injury. He underwent successful recovery surgery in February, which ruled him out of the IPL and the ICC T20 World Cup.With 448 wickets in 188 international matches, Shami is one of the most successful fast bowlers of the modern era. His ability to generate pace and swing makes him a formidable threat to any batting lineup.Shami's return to the Indian team will be a major boost for the side, especially with the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup in 2027. His experience and skill will be invaluable as India looks to reclaim the coveted trophy.

Mohammed Shami, India's star pacer, has revealed his closest friends within the Indian cricket team as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury. Shami, who has been out of action since the ODI World Cup, has been working diligently to regain his fitness and is eager to make a comeback.In a recent interview, Shami disclosed that Virat Kohli and Ishant Sharma are his best friends. He praised their unwavering support during his injury lay-off, noting that they regularly checked on him and provided encouragement. "Virat Kohli and Ishant Sharma are my best friends. They are the ones who call me and check on me when I am injured and in recovery," Shami said.Shami's recovery process has been gradual, but he is taking a measured approach to ensure a full and lasting return. He recently shared videos on social media showcasing his progress, cautiously bowling a few deliveries in the training nets. "Vibing with the latest, grinding for the greatest," Shami captioned one of his posts.Despite missing the IPL 2024 and T20 World Cup, Shami remains optimistic about his future. He is likely to make his comeback in the upcoming home series against Bangladesh, which will feature two Tests and three T20 Internationals in September-October.Shami's absence was keenly felt during India's recent cricketing endeavors, particularly during the South Africa tour and the five-match Test series against England. However, his impressive performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he emerged as the tournament's highest wicket-taker with 24 wickets in seven matches, serves as a testament to his skill and determination.As Shami continues his recovery, he is receiving support from his teammates and the Indian cricket fraternity. His return to the field will be a significant boost for the Indian team, which is looking to regain its dominance in international cricket.

Mohammed Shami, India's premier fast bowler, has finally returned to the nets after a prolonged absence due to an ankle injury. The injury, sustained during the 2023 ODI World Cup, sidelined Shami for the IPL 2024 and the T20 World Cup.Shami's absence was a significant blow to India's cricketing aspirations. He missed the South Africa tour and the five-match Test series against England, where his experience and skill would have been invaluable.Despite playing through pain during the World Cup, Shami emerged as the tournament's highest wicket-taker with 24 wickets in seven matches at an astonishing average of 10.70. His performances were a testament to his resilience and determination.Shami's recovery has been a slow and arduous process. He underwent surgery earlier this year, but his rehabilitation took longer than expected. However, he is now cautiously returning to bowling, albeit at reduced intensity.In a recent social media post, Shami shared a video of himself bowling in the nets. The video shows him delivering a few deliveries with caution, indicating that he is taking a measured approach to his comeback.Shami's return is a major boost for India ahead of the home series against Bangladesh. India will host Bangladesh for two Tests and three T20 Internationals in September-October. Shami is likely to make his comeback in this series, where he will be eager to prove his fitness and regain his place in the Indian team.

Mahika Gaur, England's promising left-arm seamer, has withdrawn from the upcoming Women's Hundred tournament to prioritize her recovery from a side strain. The 18-year-old, who impressed in her debut season with Manchester Originals last year, will utilize the competition's month-long window to continue her rehabilitation under the guidance of the ECB and Thunder medical teams.Gaur's absence from the Hundred could potentially affect her chances of securing a spot in England's squad for the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh. The tournament is expected to serve as a crucial preparation platform for the team, given the lack of bilateral cricket scheduled before their departure in October.Gaur, who previously represented the UAE from the age of 12, made a notable impact in her first appearances for England against Sri Lanka last summer. Her impressive performance included a three-wicket haul for 26 runs on her ODI debut at Chester-le-Street in September.Despite her early promise, Gaur was unavailable for England's white-ball series against Pakistan due to her A-level commitments. She was subsequently ruled out of the T20I squad to face New Zealand this month after sustaining her injury.Gaur's withdrawal from the Hundred highlights the importance of managing player workload and ensuring their long-term fitness. The ECB and Thunder medical teams will closely monitor her progress and provide the necessary support to facilitate her recovery.

Elite athletes often face demanding schedules, leaving little time for personal pursuits. However, Pakistan's Haris Rauf has experienced the unexpected benefits of an enforced break from cricket due to a shoulder injury.After opting out of Pakistan's Test series in Australia to play in the Big Bash, Rauf faced the consequences of his decision with the loss of his central contract. However, fate intervened when an untimely dive during the PSL final resulted in a dislocated shoulder, sidelining him for three months.The extended layoff provided Rauf with an opportunity to reassess his game and recover physically. "I was injured the last few months, but if you believe in yourself, then the layoff can be a blessing in disguise," he said. "Because you have time to recover and reassess your gameplans."Upon his return to competitive cricket in Birmingham, Rauf showcased his resilience, taking two wickets for 34 in his allocated spell. While his Powerplay over proved costly, he maintained consistent pace and accuracy throughout the rest of his spell.Despite Pakistan's loss in the match, Rauf remained optimistic. "When you lose a game it hurts, but as a team, we are confident," he said. "We feel we can beat any opposition on any day. We've done it in the past, too. When you make mistakes you learn and try not to repeat those mistakes."Rauf acknowledged the challenges of returning from a long-term injury, particularly for a fast bowler. "It's hard," he said. "It's a struggle during your rehab, and it's difficult when you come back to maintain that pace and accuracy. But if you believe in yourself, it makes things easier."Pakistan's preparations for the upcoming World Cup include extensive match practice, with 17 T20Is scheduled by the end of this series. Rauf believes that winning the remaining two games against England would boost their confidence, but emphasizes the importance of learning from both victories and defeats."Before the World Cup, if you win a series it gives you confidence, but even if you lose you understand where you made mistakes and you learn from them," he said. "This series is difficult, but we'll try to win it. The focus is of course on the World Cup, which we aim to win to make our country proud."