Mohammed Shami during practice: Veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami sweated profusely for almost an hour during the Indian team’s net session on Friday but the situation remained unclear regarding his much-awaited return to top-level cricket. Shami, who last played for India in the 2023 World Cup final, worked hard to find his bowling rhythm in Chepauk but never looked at his top level and the batsmen found it difficult to face him.

Shami was expected to be included in the playing eleven during India’s first T20 International against England in Kolkata on Wednesday but the management decided to postpone his return. Like Eden Gardens, Shami was actively present during the net session here too. He started with a light jogging session with assistant coach Abhishek Nair.

The 34-year-old fast bowler then took part in a throwing drill for a few minutes with fielding coach T Dilip before taking to the bowling nets near the Madras Cricket Club stand. Shami had a heavy bandage tied on both his legs. He started with a short run-up and then bowled at a decent pace.

After bowling a few balls with short run-up, Shami started bowling with full run-up but his attitude and bowling lacked complete ease. His ball hit the lower part of the stump on a few occasions, while bowling coach Morne Morkel was watching him closely while playing the role of wicketkeeper.

Along with Shami, left arm fast bowler Arshdeep Singh also bowled in the nets but this player from Punjab was fast and accurate. Bengal fast bowler Shami then took a break for a few minutes to talk to Morkel and head coach Gautam Gambhir. After this Shami returned to the nets to start bowling. Gradually his rhythm improved but he did not look his old self.

This is quite surprising because Shami was selected in the Indian team for the series against England and the Champions Trophy after playing in Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy. But here he did not look in his best form and initially he did not bowl to any of his fellow batsmen who had gone out for training at the MAC ‘B’ ground.

Shami then bowled some balls to Nitish Kumar Reddy who returned to the main ground with Hardik Pandya. After this he took part in fielding and catching drills.

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