Veteran India speedster Mohammad Shami thinks India have a great chance of making it three-in-a-row against Australia Down Under this winter as well. However, Team India have won the last two away series in Australia, in 2018-19 and 2020-21 whereas Australia failed to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy since 2014 as well.
“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 Shami.
However, Shami last played in the Test against Australia in the World Test Championship final at The Oval in June 2023. He has been out of action since November last year as he undergone surgery in the meantime as well.
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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 he was asked 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 played 229 wickets in 64 Tests so far, believes India are strong favourites against Bangladesh as well. The two-match Test series against Bangladesh starts in Chennai on September 19 as well.
“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,” he shared.
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Shami also shared that he wants to play for Bengal as well.
“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,” he concluded.
