Pictures captured the Indian pacer bowling in the nets at the iconic stadium, where the Kiwis dismissed Rohit Sharma-led India for 46 earlier in the day, raising hopes of a comeback. As per a RevSportz report, Shami has been approaching his top speed and is even believed to have increased his intensity at the NCA, where he has been under rehabilitation following a series of injuries. The wily speedster was last seen in action for India during the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he ended with 24 scalps (most by any bowler). While he played the mega event despite ankle issues, he has had a swelling in his knees recently; adding to his injury woes. Reportedly, Shami's knee was bandaged and strapped. He started bowling at a slower pace with a shorter run-up, gradually increasing his speed and approaching full tilt at the nets, in presence of senior figures within the National Cricket Academy (NCA) hierarchy. Troy Cooley, the lead bowling coach at the academy, and Nitin Patel, the head of sports science and medicine, kept a close watch on Shami.   Before the three-match Test series opener versus the Kiwis, in Bengaluru, captain Rohit Sharma opened up on Shami's injury status. He said to the reporters, "To be honest, it is difficult to make a call on him for the Australia series. He had a setback and had swelling in his knees. That put him back a little bit and had to start again. He's at the NCA with doctors and physios. We don't want to bring undercooked Shami to Australia. We are keeping our fingers crossed." Thus, Shami's injury continues to be closely monitored as India would hope for his participation in the forthcoming Australia tour, comprising five Tests. The 34-year-old has missed a plethora of series since the ODI WC at home. At present, India are on the back foot in the first Test against the Black Caps, in Bengaluru. After a washout on Day 1, India opted to bat first and got dismissed for 46 (their lowest-ever Test score on home soil) during the second day's play, on Thursday. At the time of publishing this report, New Zealand's lead is nearing 200, in the morning session of Day 3 on Friday (Oct 18), with four wickets in hand.