Tabraiz Shamsi ’recovering well’ but set to undergo fitness test ahead of T20 World Cup opener

Tabraiz Shamsi is set to go undergo a fitness test ahead of their T20 World Cup opener. Photo: Ishara S. Kodikara/AFP

Tabraiz Shamsi is set to go undergo a fitness test ahead of their T20 World Cup opener. Photo: Ishara S. Kodikara/AFP

Published Oct 22, 2021

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Abu Dhabi - The Proteas will give their star spinner Tabraiz Shamsi every chance to play in their T20 World Cup opener against Australia at the Sheikh Zayd Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

Shamsi suffered a mild groin strain while bowling during the warm-up match against Pakistan during the week. He immediately left the field and played no further part in the match.

Independent Media understands though that Shamsi is recovering well, but he will undergo a fitness test on Friday afternoon at the final training session.

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The Proteas will be desperate for Shamsi to get through his fitness test as the left-arm wrist-spinner has been in superb form the past 12 months, resulting in him holding the ICC's No 1 bowler ranking in the shortest format.

Former West Indies T20 World Cup-winning mystery spinner Samuel Badree has even placed a firm target on Shamsi's back as the premier spinner to look out for here at the T20 World Cup, especially due to him being able to bowl at various stages of the game and perform both the holding and attacking roles for the Proteas.

Furthermore, Shamsi is not just a pivotal bowler for Temba Bavuma's side but a great source of motivation for particularly the younger players in the squad, while he is always desperate to do well against the arch-rivals Australia.

@ZaahierAdams