Mohammad Shami thinks India have a strong chance of making it three-in-a-row against Australia Down Under this winter. “I believe India are the favourites to win the series. In the last series in Australia, we played with a young team, with many senior players absent, yet we still proved we were the best. I expect the next series to be highly competitive, but I’m confident that India will come out victorious,” said the Indian pacer, who has been sidelined due to injury for close to 10 months.
India have won the last two away series in Australia, in 2018-19 and 2020-21. In fact, Australia have not laid hands on the Border-Gavaskar Trophy since 2014. Shami was part of the 2018-19 series in Australia but did not feature in the team’s most recent visit two years later.
Incidentally, Shami’s last Test appearance was against Australia in the World Test Championship final at The Oval in June 2023. He has been out of action since the India-Australia World Cup final in November last year, having undergone a surgery in the meantime.
When asked about his return, Shami said, “I don’t want to rush myself, even though I want to come back as soon as possible. It’s not advisable to return with any doubt. I need to be stronger, and the stronger I feel, the better it will be. My goal is to return at my strongest. While I aim to come back at the earliest, my priority is to be fully fit. So whether it’s for the Australia, New Zealand, or Bangladesh series, it doesn’t matter.” Shami was speaking at the annual awards function in Kolkata on Saturday night.
When questioned about his current fitness status, Shami said, “I’ve already started bowling. I want to ensure there are no doubts in my mind and that I must not feel any discomfort. Unless I’m 100 percent in every aspect – both mentally and physically – I won’t consider returning to action. It doesn’t matter which format I play or which team I’m selected for. If needed, I’ll even play domestic cricket.”
Shami, who has 229 wickets in 64 Tests, believes India are strong favourites against Bangladesh. He remarked, “It’s fine if Bangladesh have beaten Pakistan, but we’re playing at home. Bangladesh should consider our record, current form, and the strengths of the Indian team.” The two-Test series against Bangladesh starts in Chennai on September 19.
Shami also said he wants to play for Bengal. “I definitely want to play for Bengal in the coming season. I am looking forward to playing two to three matches for Bengal in Ranji. It will help me to make a comeback in international cricket. I have been training at the NCA and I want to play as and when I am 100 percent fit.”
“I can’t thank Bengal enough. I was born in a family in UP where there was no opportunity. So I often say I was born in UP but made in Bengal. This is a journey of 22 years and I am so grateful to Bengal for making me what I am. The love and warmth Bengal has shown will never be forgotten. I want Women’s cricket to come up in a big way. People should not discriminate and I would be very happy to see our families.”
