India’s weakness is Shami, the great bowler, who still has a long way to go

Sachin Tendulkar’s Farewell
• Sachin Tendulkar’s 200th and final Test appearance in India in November 2013.
• Despite the series’ loss, Tendulkar was a constant presence in the cricketing world.

Rohit Sharma’s Test Debut
• Rohit Sharma, a semi-established player, made his Test debut in Kolkata in 2010.
• Sharma’s ankle injury delayed his Test call-up by three and a half years.
• Sharma’s performance was impressive, with a magnificent 177 and an unbeaten 111 in Mumbai.

Mohammed Shami’s Test Debut
• Mohammed Shami, born in Amroha, made his Test debut at Kolkata in his mid-teens.
• Shami outbowled senior swing exponent Bhuvneshwar Kumar and off-spinner R. Ashwin, showcasing his impressive accuracy and control.

Shami’s International Career
• Despite numerous injuries, Shami has picked up 448 international wickets across the three formats.
• He was a vital part of the Indian pace attack during the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
• Despite his injuries, Shami played in four matches in England in 2019, and was India’s second highest wicket-taker with 14 sticks.

Shami’s Extraordinary Form
• Shami was in extraordinary wicket-taking form from his first delivery.
• He had a tournament-high 24 wickets from just seven outings by the end of the World Cup.
• His last bowl in competitive cricket was in Ahmedabad, where he was injured and labored through seven overs.

India’s Shami’s Injury and Impact on Cricket

• India’s cricketer, Shami, suffered an Achilles tendon issue in his right leg, leading to a heel surgery in England in February.
• The rehabilitation process was long and challenging, with Shami following the advice of the Sports Science team and not trying too much too soon.
• A Return to Play protocol was put in place by the National Cricket Academy, aiming to get him fit in time to play at least one Ranji Trophy game for Bengal before being eased back into Test cricket during the ongoing series against New Zealand.
• The Board of Control for Cricket in India has a process for players absent through injury to prove their match-fitness in a competitive scenario.
• The latest injury has indefinitely delayed Shami’s return, with his participation in Australia in doubt.
• India, having won their two previous series Down Under, are in a unique position to inflict a hat-trick of losses on Australia.
• Shami’s 31 wickets in eight previous Tests in Australia have made him a handful on the bouncier tracks in Australia.
• Despite the setback, Shami is determined to continue his fight in his international career.