Published By: Sayan Guha

IND vs ENG T20I: When Did Mohammed Shami Last Played a T20I Match?

The speedster returns to the shortest format after a year in the shadows

Every cricket comeback tells a tale, and Mohammed Shami’s return to T20Is is no exception. After making history in the 2023 ODI World Cup with match-winning spells, the fast bowler is ready to wear the blue jersey once again in the T20Is against England. His comeback is more than simply a headline; it marks the beginning of another chapter in his brilliant career.

From the sidelines to the spotlight

When Mohammed Shami walked off the pitch after the ODI World Cup final in November 2023, he was on top of his game. With 24 wickets in the competition, he outperformed all other bowlers, including Australia’s Adam Zampa. However, as the saying goes, cricket never ends. Shami soon faced the twin whammy of ankle surgery and persistent knee problems.

The path to recuperation was not simple. Months of rehabilitation and fitness exercises kept him out of competitive cricket. Shami’s second innings begins now that he has been selected for the T20I side led by Suryakumar Yadav. Will he resume where he left off? Fans are waiting with bated breath.

The T20I puzzle: Shami’s numbers tell the tale

Shami’s T20I career has been a roller coaster. Since his debut in 2014, he has taken 24 wickets in 23 matches, which is decent but not remarkable. His economy rate of 8.94 highlights the difficulties of bowling in a game where batters capitalise on even little mistakes.

However, Shami’s ability to pluck wickets in crucial situations distinguishes him. His best figures, 3 for 15, demonstrate his ability to unsettle opponents. Though he has yet to notch a four- or five-wicket haul in T20Is, Shami’s efforts frequently go beyond the figures.

A mixed bag against England

Shami’s T20I stats against England reflect the format’s volatility. He has bowled seven overs in two matches, allowing 77 runs and taking three wickets. His best performance, 3 for 38, came in a game where England’s batters strained his stamina.

However, the speedster’s economy rate of 11 against the English team is a significant problem. England’s aggressive attitude, led by Jos Buttler, has made life difficult for bowlers like Shami. Can he flip the script this time?

A night to forget: Shami’s last T20I

Rewinding to Shami’s previous T20I action gets us to the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final versus England in Adelaide. It was a contest India would like to forget. India’s bowlers, including Shami, were unable to respond to the Hales-Buttler attack while defending 168.

Shami bowled three overs for 39 runs at an economy rate of 13. England reached 170 without losing a wicket, securing a 10-wicket win with 24 balls to spare. That night, Shami and the Indian bowling unit appeared powerless in the face of England’s batting might.

What lies ahead?

Shami’s inclusion in the England T20I team shows India’s confidence in his expertise and ability. The stakes could not be more remarkable as he prepares to hit the pitch at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens on January 22. England’s powerful batting will once again put Shami to the test.

Can he work his magic with the new ball and unleash those precise yorkers at the end? More significantly, can Shami change the narrative against England?