The Indian cricket team is set to return to the field after 43 days in a two-match Test series against Bangladesh starting on September 19 at the M. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. However, the fans are waiting for the five-match Test series against Australia starting from November 22. After winning the last two series against the Aussies down under, India will be looking to register a third consecutive Test series win against Australia in front of their home crowd. With a long Test season ahead, some big names from the Indian team will be seen returning on the field after a long break .
One of the most awaited comebacks will be of Mohammed Shami, who was last seen playing during the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia in Ahmedabad on November 19. The star right-arm pacer had a memorable campaign in the last year’s World Cup, finishing as the highest wicket-taker with 24 scalps from just seven matches. However, Shami suffered an ankle injury shortly after the tournment, for which he had to undergo a surgery. Now, after a successful surgery, he is expected to make a comeback in professional cricket very soon, to take the field for India later this year.
Mohammed Shami believes India have an upper hand over Australia
During his latest interview, Mohammed Shami called India as favorites to win the upcoming Border-Gavaskar trophy 2024-25 in Australia. The fast bowler believes that India will have an upper hand against the hosts as they have already defeated them in the last two editions down under. Shami also said that Australia should be worried on how they could take on the Indian challenge in the upcoming Test series.
“Favourites toh hum hi hai, chinta unhe honi chahiye (We are the favourites, they should be worried),” Mohammed Shami was quoted as saying during the CAB Annual awards by RevSportz Global.
Notably, India won their first-ever Test series in Australia in 2018-19 under captaincy of Virat Kohli. While in 2020-21, Ajinkya Rahane-led team India scripted history with another Test series win down under even without some of their key players against a star-studded Australian line-up. India also won a home Test series against Australia in 2023.
I don't want to return until I'm 100% fit: Mohammed Shami
After recovering from the ankle injury, Mohammed Shami has already started his training to make himself fit for the Indian team. He hasn’t been included in the Indian squad for the first Test against Bangladesh, but the pacer is expected to make a return in national team in the upcoming Test season. Notably, India are scheduled to play 10 Tests in the upcoming months, including two against Bangladesh, three against New Zealand, and five against Australia ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Talking about his return, Mohammed Shami said that he wants to assure that he is 100% fit to give his best for the Indian cricket team in the upcoming Test season. He said, “I've already started bowling, but I don't want to return until I'm 100% fit, be it the New Zealand or Australia series. I want to give my best for India. ”
