Mohammed Shami’s return to competitive cricket after nearly a year didn’t go as planned in the Ranji Trophy. Facing Madhya Pradesh, Shami ended his 10-over spell without taking a wicket, conceding 34 runs. His initial four-over spell saw him give away 16 runs, including three boundaries, while he improved slightly in his second, finishing with figures of 6-1-18-0.
The Bengal team, struggling with injuries and national call-ups, was counting on Shami’s experience to revive their campaign. Despite Bengal’s efforts, Madhya Pradesh finished the day in a strong position at 103/1.
Bengal’s Struggles and Shami Brothers’ Partnership
The match marked a rare opportunity for Shami to play alongside his younger brother, Mohammed Kaif, who claimed the only wicket in Madhya Pradesh’s innings by dismissing opener Himanshu Mantri for 13. Bengal’s batting line-up faced challenges, with both Shuvam Dey and Rohit Kumar dismissed for ducks.
Shahbaz Ahmed played a crucial innings, scoring 92, forming a valuable 96-run partnership with skipper Anustup Majumdar. Shami and Kaif even batted together briefly, showcasing a unique family moment on the field, though Bengal managed a modest 228 in their first innings.
Eyes on Shami’s Fitness and Upcoming Selection
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) monitored Shami’s performance closely, as selectors aim to assess his readiness for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.
Shami recently recovered from Achilles tendon surgery, and his fitness will be vital for India’s pace attack in the high-profile series starting in November. Despite the lackluster performance in his comeback, Shami’s continued improvement could be pivotal for Bengal’s Ranji Trophy aspirations and his own place in the Indian squad.
Mohammed Shami’s comeback performance may not have met expectations, it was a crucial step toward regaining full form and fitness after his long hiatus. Bengal’s challenges in the Ranji Trophy underscored the importance of experienced players like Shami in steering their campaign.
Despite going wicketless, his presence on the field and partnership with his brother Kaif brought some positivity for the team and fans. With the BCCI closely watching his progress, Shami still has time to fine-tune his skills before the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where his experience could be instrumental for India.
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