Will Mohammed Shami Play IND vs ENG 5th T20I? India's Coach Responds

With India already leading the IND vs ENG T20I series 3-1, questions are being raised about whether Mohammed Shami will feature in the fifth T20I.

India's bowling coach, Morne Morkel, offered a positive update on Shami's performance.

Source : PTI

Indian cricket team's veteran pacer Mohammed Shami made his long-awaited return to international cricket in the ongoing five-match T20 International series against England, taking the place of Arshdeep Singh in the third T20I.

Shami bowled three overs but went wicketless, conceding 25 runs. With India already leading the IND vs ENG T20I series 3-1, questions are being raised about whether the veteran will feature in the fifth T20I.

Morne Morkel's insight on Mohammed Shami's progress

India's bowling coach, Morne Morkel, offered a positive update on Shami's performance, saying:

"Shami bowled really well in the third T20I, and he's been doing well in the warm-ups. I'm happy with his progress, and he will likely play in the fifth match. It's exciting to have him back, and his experience is proving invaluable to the younger bowlers."

Shami's appearance in the 3rd T20I in Rajkot marked his first T20 match since November 2022.

Also on ABP Live | Rohit Sharma Breaks Silence On India's Preparation For ICC Champions Trophy, India-Pakistan Clash

Mohammed Shami's importance for India ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Shami's form is crucial for India's preparations for ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Having not played an ODI since his ankle injury, Shami's performances will be key to India's bowling strength, especially with Jasprit Bumrah's fitness still in question.

India has until February 11 to make adjustments to their squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 tournament, making Shami's upcoming appearances even more critical.

Also on ABP Live | Ricky Ponting's Bold ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Prediction – These Two Teams Will Make The Final

Shami made his competitive return to cricket through the ongoing Ranji Trophy with Bengal, followed by appearances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy.

He was expected to join India's tour of Australia in December, a knee issue postponed his international comeback. However, he has now been included in India's squad for both the England ODI series and the upcoming Champions Trophy later this month.

India's predicted playing XI for IND vs ENG 5th T20I: Sanju Samson (WK), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Shami, Varun Chakravarthy.