Mohammad Shami believes India has a strong chance of securing a third consecutive series win against Australia Down Under this winter. “I think India are the favourites to win the series. In the last series in Australia, we had a young team with many senior players absent, yet we still showed we were the best. I expect the upcoming series to be highly competitive. Still, I’m confident India will come out on top,” said the Indian pacer, who has been sidelined for nearly 10 months due to injury, reports Live Cricket Score.
India has won the last two Test series in Australia, in 2018-19 and 2020-21, with Australia not having held the Border-Gavaskar Trophy since 2014. Shami played a vital role in the 2018-19 series but was absent during India’s most recent victory in 2020-21.
Shami’s last Test match was against Australia in the World Test Championship final at The Oval in June 2023. He has been out of action since the November last year India-Australia World Cup final, following surgery during that time.
When asked about his return, Shami said, “I don’t want to rush myself, even though I’m eager to come back. It’s important not to return with any doubts. I need to be at my strongest, and the better I feel, the better it will be. My goal is to return fully fit. Whether it’s for the Australia, New Zealand, or Bangladesh series, it doesn’t matter.” Shami made these comments at the annual awards function in Kolkata on Saturday night.
Regarding his current fitness, Shami added, “I’ve started bowling again. I want to make sure there’s no uncertainty in my mind and no discomfort. Until I’m 100 per cent in every way—physically and mentally—I won’t think about returning. It doesn’t matter which format or team I’m selected for. If necessary, I’ll even play domestic cricket.”
With 229 wickets in 64 Tests, Shami shared his thoughts on India’s upcoming series against Bangladesh. “It’s fine if Bangladesh beat Pakistan, but we’re playing at home. Bangladesh should consider our record, current form, and the strength of the Indian team.” The two-Test series against Bangladesh kicks off in Chennai on September 19.
Shami also expressed his desire to represent Bengal again. “I want to play for Bengal in the coming season. I’m looking forward to playing two to three Ranji Trophy matches for Bengal, which will help me prepare for my international comeback. I’ve been training at the NCA and want to play when I’m 100 percent fit.”
Reflecting on his journey, Shami said, “I can’t thank Bengal enough. I was born into a family in UP, where opportunities were limited. I often say I was born in UP but made in Bengal. Bengal has shaped this 22-year journey, and I will never forget the love and support they’ve shown me. I hope to see women’s cricket grow big without discrimination, and I would be thrilled to see our families support that.”
