Mohammed Shami not be risked for South Africa Tests: Coach

Shami picked up 17 wickets for India in the World Cup 2015 Down Under.

India's Fast Bolwer Recovering from a long injury lay-off and a knee surgery, Mohammed Shami, is slowly clawing his way back to full fitness.

Mohammed Shami not be risked for South Africa Tests: Coach

Having missed tours of Bangladesh, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka after a successful World Cup in Australia, Shami had set his sights on the home series against South Africa for his return. Even as India will miss the services of Ishant Sharma due to a suspension, it is highly unlikely that Shami will be risked for the Tests.

The 25-year-old has instead, been asked to give priority to the limited-overs tour of Australia in January 2016 followed by the World Twenty20 at home in March, reckons Badruddin Siddique, his childhood coach. "There is a possibility that he might be match-fit by the time of the final Test against South Africa in Delhi (starting December 3). But I heard that the team management has told him that they need him for Australia tour and World T20 next year and would not like to take any risk," Siddique told PTI on Tuesday (October 27).

Shami, who finished with 17 scalps in the showpiece event in 2015, was included in India's preparatory camp ahead of the long home series against South Africa. The hardworking and resourceful seamer from Amroha, Uttar Pradesh is yet to bowl at full tilt but his coach says his ward is working towards making a comeback during the Australia tour. "I spoke to Shami sometime back and he said that he is now around 60-70 percent fit. He is still not bowling full tilt. Shami is confident that he will be hundred percent match fit by the time the limited-overs series is held in Australia in January. After that there is the big event, World T20.

"The feedback that he has got is that 'we would be happy to get you during last Test but we can't miss you for the World T20'. Shami is working towards that," Badruddin said.