Injury phase was tough, says Mohammed Shami

Pacer Mohammad Shami, who made his come back into the India squad for the upcoming ODI and T20 series against Australia, said the injury phase was the toughest time of his career, and he was glad the worst is behind him.

After a splendid 2014 World Cup Down Under, where he bagged 17 wickets from seven matches at an average of 17.29, Shami suffered a knee injury which required a surgery, leaving him bed-ridden.

Talking ahead of the team’s departure for Australia, the Bengal player said the comeback was a mental battle, and he is feeling good ahead of crucial series.

“After I got injured, doctor advised me a complete bed rest for two months. It was the most difficult phase of my life. I could not keep my legs on the floor. The worst part was that I couldn’t go and play. After I got off my crutches, I went and met the team ahead of the Bangladesh tour, its then when I felt I existed in the world. It was during my rehabilitation, that I stared feeling good,” said the right-arm pacer.

Shami, who was undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, said the time after injury is the most difficult time for any player.

“The time after injury is the most difficult time for any player. And to come out of it one needs to be strong mentally,” added the pacer, who plays for the Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League and made his limited overs debut against Pakistan in 2013.

Shami, whose performance on the Australian pitches was lauded by the cricket fraternity, said he is up for the Australian challenge.

“Last time we played a Test series against Australia before the World Cup. So, we got an idea of the bounce and the length. That experience will help us on this tour and we hope to play as a unit and seal a famous win,” said the fit-again bowler, who played in the recently-held Vijay Hazare Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.