BCCI indicates Shami's return to Test squad for England series

Leaving all the domestic turmoil behind, a fit and refreshed Mohammad Shami is confident of making a comeback into the Indian side when the selectors meet to name the test squad for England tour later this week. The Indian Team management too has extended its full support to get the medium pacer back to the cricket field.

Leaving all the domestic turmoil behind, a fit and refreshed Mohammad Shami is confident of making a comeback into the Indian side when the selectors meet to name the Test squad for the England tour later this week. The Indian Team management has extended its full support to get the medium pacer back to the cricket field.

Shami, who cleared the Yo-Yo test on second attempt a couple days ago is certain to catch the London-bound flight. Shami had missed the one-off Test against Afghanistan after flunking the Yo-Yo test.

BCCI believes form was a never concern with Shami. It was his mental condition that deteriorated considerably after an ugly verbal and legal battle with wife Hasin Jahan, almost putting an end to his cricketing career.

Shami was given a clear choice on whether to get his focus back to cricket – what he is destined to do – or keep on damaging his reputation both as a cricketer and as an individual. Shami, with the full backing of BCCI, is believed to have understood the need to get his act together. The clearance of Yo-Yo test is only the first step in the right direction.

“He’s very clear in his mind that he’s going to put his heart and soul into not just sorting out his personal life but also making sure he meets all demands required of international cricket. Given the bowler he is, there’s a lot he is capable of going forward,” TOI learnt from a member of Indian team management.

Even Shami’s teammates want him back in the squad. “We’ll try and see wherever we can help him. It’s important from his career point of view and even from a team perspective because there’s so much he brings to Indian cricket,” mentioned the team management.

Shami, who was so far taken 110 wickets in his 30 Test matches is believed to be one of India’s key weapons to achieve the desired result in English conditions.

Bowlers will have to be constantly rotated. With Ishant, Bhuvi and others in the ranks, someone with the experience and talent of Shami rounds it off perfectly. We all know, now it’s not about his fitness. It’s about his life outside of cricket. Let’s see what can be done to help him sort that out,” added the Indian team management.