T20 World Cup: Mohammed Shami bowls full tilt as India enter final phase of preparations with warm-up matches | Cricket News

BRISBANE: Mohammed Shami appeared to be close to full fitness as he bowled at full intensity during India’s first training session at the Gabba on Sunday, ahead of their first warm-up game against England on Monday.
Shami, who reached Brisbane after recovering from COVID-19 and was given a green light, replaced an injured Jasprit Bumrah in the 15-man squad.
On Sunday, Shami had a full-fledged session with coach Rahul Dravid, who welcomed him into the mix after a layoff of about three months.

As for the first session, Shami seemed to build on his rhythm as he bowled to the team’s best batsman Virat Kohli for some time. It seems he is still trying to hit the straps and maybe the upcoming warm-up matches against England and New Zealand will give an idea about his match fitness.
There is no hiding that an 80 per cent fit Shami with his skills will be more effective than a completely out-of-form Harshal Patel, who was taken to the cleaners by Dinesh Karthik during the net session on Sunday.
Karthik would scornfully smash Harshal’s length deliveries into the imaginary deep mid-wicket region and the low full tosses through square leg.
However, while trying to play the round scoop off Shami, Karthik was bowled leg stump and the Bengal speedster had a wry smile.
But will Dravid and Rohit play Shami against England or allow him to have two more net sessions before testing him against New Zealand on Wednesday is the big question.
The two warm-up matches, which will be broadcast live in the Indian subcontinent, will also give everyone a clear picture of what kind of playing XI will be fielded against arch-rivals Pakistan on October 23.
Both Rishabh Pant and Karthik have had a good hit at the nets, but who will feature in the playing eleven may be obvious while looking at the batting order of the two practice matches.
Stand by pacers Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur have also reached Brisbane.