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India's veteran pacer Mohammed Shami made his comeback to international cricket in the ongoing T20I series against England. Replacing in-form Arshdeep Singh, Shami remained wicketless on his return. With the series already in bag, Shami may get another opportunity to bowl, hinted India's bowling coach Morne Morkel in the post-match press conference in Pune.
"Shami has been been bowling really well. Catching to him at the warmups, he is hitting the glove hard. So, very happy how he's coming along. He's probably going to get an opportunity for the next game and we'll see see how things go, but excited to have him back in the group, just for him to share his experience and his knowledge of training as a massive boost for this young bowling unit, so yeah, great to have show me back in the mix," Morkel said.
In the Rajkot T20I, he conceded 25 runs from three overs including a beamer. This was his first T20I appearance since November 2022. Since then, India have won their second T20 World Cup title.
Shami's form crucial
Shami is set to make his ODI comeback as well as India take on England in a three-T20I series ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He hasn't played an ODI since the ankle injury. Shami's form is crucial for India, especially considering Jasprit Bumrah is yet to be declared fit. India can make changes to the Champions Trophy 2025 squad till February 11.
Pandya, Dube and Rana star in India's 15-run win
India suffered an early collapse as Saqib Mahmood bowled a triple-wicket maiden. Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya's 53-run knocks helped India post 181/9 on the board. Chasing the target of 182, England got off to a flier in the powerplay overs. However, India tightened the screws in the middle overs.
Replacing a concussed Dube, Harshit Rana made his T20I debut. Harry Brook took control of the run chase and scored a half-century but Varun Chakravarthy pulled things back before the slog overs. Then Rana ensured India won the fourth T20I with ease as England were bowled out for 166 with two balls left in the innings.
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