Mohammed Shami ruled out of Border-Gavaskar Trophy after India pacer experiences minor swelling in left knee

India pacer Mohammed Shami has been ruled out of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test series against Australia despite having recovered from a right heel injury, the BCCI confirmed on Monday. “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 his heel problem,” the BCCI said in a statement.

Shami had made his competitive comeback in November in a Ranji Trophy game for Bengal against Madhya Pradesh, where he picked seven wickets, including a four-fer in the first innings . Shami had also played nine games in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and taken 11 wickets in the tournament. He also took up additional bowling sessions in order to regain fitness for the Test series against Australia. However, swelling in his left knee meant that Shami was not fit enough to board the flight to Australia.

“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.

“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,” the BCCI statement added.

The 34-year-old last played for India in the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia in Ahmedabad, which the Men in Blue lost by six wickets. He sustained an ankle injury during the final and underwent a surgery in February.

The five-match Test series between Australia and India is evenly poised at 1-1 after three Tests. India won the first Test by 295 runs, whereas Australia emerged victorious by 10 wickets in the second Test. The third Test ended in a draw. The fourth Test will begin in Melbourne on 26 December.