Mohammed Shami believes that India has a strong chance to secure a third consecutive series win against Australia this winter.
Mohammed Shami believes that India has a strong chance to secure a third consecutive series win against Australia this winter. The Indian fast bowler, who has been out of action for nearly 10 months due to injury, stated, “I believe India is a strong contender to win the series. In the last series in Australia, we played with a young team, with several senior players missing, yet we proved that we are the best. I expect the next series to be very competitive, but I am fully confident that India will emerge victorious.”
India has won the last two series in Australia in 2018-19 and 2020-21. In fact, Australia has not won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy since 2014. Shami was part of the 2018-19 series in Australia but did not participate in the team’s most recent tour two years later.
Incidentally, Shami played his last Test match in June 2023 against Australia in the World Test Championship final at The Oval. He has been sidelined since the India-Australia World Cup final last November, during which time he underwent surgery.
When asked about his return, Shami said, “I don’t want to rush, though I do want to come back as soon as possible. Returning with any doubts isn’t the right approach. I need to become stronger, and the stronger I feel, the better it will be. My goal is to make my strongest comeback. While I aim to return as soon as possible, my priority is to be fully fit. So, whether it’s the Australia, New Zealand, or Bangladesh series, it doesn’t matter.” Shami was speaking at an annual awards ceremony in Kolkata on Saturday night.
When asked about his current fitness, Shami said, “I’ve already started bowling. I want to make sure I have no doubts in my mind and don’t feel any discomfort. Until I’m 100 percent fit in every aspect—both mentally and physically—I won’t think about returning to action. It doesn’t matter what format I play or which team I’m selected for. If necessary, I’ll play domestic cricket as well.” Shami, who has taken 229 wickets in 64 Test matches, believes India is a strong contender against Bangladesh. He added, “If Bangladesh defeated Pakistan, that’s fine, but we are playing at home. Bangladesh should consider our record, current form, and the strength of the Indian team.” The two-Test series against Bangladesh will begin in Chennai on September 19.
Shami also expressed his desire to play for Bengal. “I definitely want to play for Bengal in the upcoming season. I’m looking forward to playing two or three matches for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy. It will help me make my comeback to international cricket. I’m training at the NCA and want to play when I’m 100 percent fit.”
“I cannot thank Bengal enough. I was born in a family in UP where there were no opportunities. That’s why I often say that I was born in UP, but made in Bengal. It has been a 22-year journey, and I’m very grateful to Bengal for making me who I am. The love and warmth Bengal has shown me can never be forgotten. I want women’s cricket to grow on a large scale. People should not discriminate, and I would be very happy to meet their families.”