Indian speedster Mohammed Shami has added that he is trying his best to recover from his ankle injury to be available for selection for the upcoming home Test series against England, starting in Hyderabad on January 25. However, he has been out of action since the 2023 ODI World Cup final due to an ankle injury and missed the entire South African tour. And, reports were there that the right-arm pace bowler would likely miss the first two Tests of the England series.

Speaking to India Today after the reception of the prestigious Arjuna Award, Shami said, “I am trying best to be available for the selection for England Test series but test match is longer format so you don’t want to be in doubt. Whenever it comes to T20s , many times I don’t understand that whether I am in scene or not. But what I feel is that you have IPL before the T20 World Cup and that is the best opportunity to bring in momentum, and if management will ask me to play, I’ll be available.”

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However, before the England Test series, India will play a three-match T20I series against Afghanistan at home, with the first one being played on Thursday, January 11 as well. Like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, he also last played a T20I in their semi-final defeat to England at the 2022 World Cup as well. Notably, he was the highest wicket-taker with 24 scalps in only seven games in the ODI World Cup 2023.

“Its biggest achievement of my life I can’t express my feelings. I love my sport and I always try to do best whatever I am doing,” Shami said. “The kind of support my family gave to me to pursue my dream is just amazing. I don’t have words to explain that how I started my journey from Amroha to Indian cricket. Passion is always there and I always try to play as much as I can and do well for the country,” Mohammed Shami concluded.