MELBOURNE: Seamer Mohammed Shami will not be considered for India’s fourth and fifth Tests in Australia due to a knee injury, the Indian cricket board (BCCI) said on Monday.

The 34-year-old has fully recovered from his heel injury after undergoing surgery in February. He was not picked in the squad but there was a chance he could be added to support pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.

Shami has not played international cricket since the 50-overs World Cup last year but has returned to domestic cricket to prove his fitness.

“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,” the BCCI said in a statement.

“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.”

India battled hard to earn a draw in the rain-hit third Test in Brisbane, leaving the five-match series tied at 1-1 heading into the Boxing Day clash.

Published in Dawn, December 24th, 2024