Premier Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has expressed his determination to recover from his ankle injury and make himself available for selection in the upcoming home Test series against England. The five-Test series is scheduled to commence in Hyderabad on January 25 and Mohammed Shami most likely will lead the bowling attack if he is back at his best.
Shami, who has been sidelined since the 2023 ODI World Cup final, has been absent from action due to an ankle injury. Unfortunately, he had to miss the entire South African tour, including the drawn two-Test series. The 33-year-old is actively working towards regaining fitness to contribute to India’s bowling attack in the Test series against England. Recent reports indicate that the right-arm pacer is likely to miss the initial two Tests of the upcoming series against England.
I will be available- Mohammed Shami optimistic of making it against England Tests
In an interview with India Today following the reception of the prestigious Arjuna Award, Mohammed Shami responded to a question regarding his availability for the England Tests.
I am trying my best to be available for the selection for the England Test series but the test match is longer format so you don’t want to be in doubt,” said Mohammed Shami.
Shami also shared insights into his plans for the T20 World Cup scheduled for June.
“Whenever it comes to T20s, many times I don’t understand whether I am in the scene or not,” he said. “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 asks me to play, I’ll be available,”
Prior to the England Test series, India is scheduled to play three T20Is against Afghanistan at home, with the first match set for Thursday, January 11. Similar to Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Mohammed Shami last featured in a T20I during India’s semi-final defeat to England in the 2022 World Cup.
It’s the biggest achievement of my life– Mohammed Shami
Mohammed Shami expressed that receiving the Arjuna Award was the ‘biggest achievement’ of his life and extended gratitude to his family for their relentless support.
The 33-year-old emerged as Team India’s standout performer with the ball in the 2023 World Cup, leading the wicket-taking charts with 24 scalps in just seven games. His exceptional performances played a crucial role in India remaining undefeated until the defeat in the final showdown against Australia.
“It’s the biggest achievement of my life I can’t express my feelings. I love my sport and I always try to do my best whatever I am doing. 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,” said Mohammed Shami.
Mohammed Shami has also etched his name as India’s all-time leading wicket-taker in ODI World Cups, accumulating 55 scalps in just 18 appearances. This remarkable feat places him fifth on the all-time list, following the likes of Glenn McGrath, Muthiah Muralidaran, Mitchell Starc, and Lasith Malinga.