Shami’s Injury woes continue, doubtful for Australia tour
New Delhi: Mohammed Shami's career faces uncertainty as the experienced pacer battles injuries. After his last competitive match in November 2023 during India's World Cup final loss to Australia, Shami has struggled with an Achilles tendon injury that led to surgery in London in February 2024. Although his rehabilitation, managed by the National Cricket Academy (NCA), progressed well, raising hopes for his return during the home series against New Zealand, Shami hit another setback with a knee injury.
This latest injury threatens his participation in India's upcoming tour of Australia. Indian captain Rohit Sharma expressed concern, stating that Shami needs to regain full fitness before being considered for the squad. With India having a history of managing injuries to key players, including Shami, the team's plans for the crucial Australian series remain uncertain.
Shami, who has taken 448 international wickets, is at a stage in his career where injuries could impact his playing longevity. While his achievements are commendable, questions remain whether he will recover in time for India's Australian tour.
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Rishabh Pant overtakes Kohli in Test rankings
Dubai, Oct 23: Rishabh Pant on Wednesday overtook his superstar India teammate Virat Kohli to reach the sixth spot in the ICC Test rankings for batters.
Fresh from a counter-attacking 99 in the second innings of the opening Test against New Zealand, Pant gained three spots in the rankings while Kohli, who made a fluent 70 in Bengaluru, dropped a place to be eighth.
Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal remains India's highest ranked batter at four. India captain Rohit Sharma dropped two places to be joint 15th alongside Sri Lanka's Dimuth Karunaratne.
England star Joe Root maintains a healthy lead at the top of the charts.
New Zealand duo of Rachin Ravindra (up 36 places to 18th) and Devon Conway (up 12 spots to 36th) also made good ground on the latest list for Test batters, while teammate Matt Henry (up two rungs to ninth with a new career-high rating) was the big winner in bowlers' category.
Henry picked up eight wickets during the Black Caps' drought-breaking eight-wicket victory over India in Bengaluru, while teammate Will O'Rourke (up two spots to 39th) was also rewarded for his seven scalps from the same match.
Pakistan spinner Noman Ali was re-instated at 17th on the rankings following his 11 wickets across two innings against England, while teammate Sajid Khan gained 22 places to move to 50th after he was adjudged Player of the Match in the same contest.
India's pace spearhead remains at the top of the bowlers' rankings followed by teammate R Ashwin. Retaining the seventh sport, Ravindra Jadeja is another Indian in the top-10.
