'Don't Want to be in Doubt': Mohammed Shami Trying His Best to Get Fit in Time for England Tests

Premier India pacer Mohammed Shami is trying his best to be available for selection in the squad for the five-match Test series against England starting later this month.

Shami, who was the leading wicket-taker in ODI World Cup 2023, has not played a single match after the showpiece event due to injury. He missed the South Africa tour and is now expected to miss the first two Tests against England as well.

“I am trying best to be available for the selection for England The series test match is longer format so you don’t want to be in doubt,” Shami told India Today.

Meanwhile, Shami is recovering from an ankle injury and according to reports, is yet to resume bowling.

“Shami hasn’t even started to bowl, he will have to go to NCA and prove his fitness. He looks doubtful for the first two Tests against England,” a BCCI source said as quoted by Indian Express.

Shami has also been shortlisted among the list of sportspersons to receive the Arjuna Award this year. The awards will be conferred on the athletes by President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 9.

The star pacer also talked about getting shortlisted for the prestigious award and as he said he don’t have words to express his feelings.

“Its the biggest achievement of my life I can’t express my feelings. I love my sport and I always try to do 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 Shami.

Meanwhile, apart from Test cricket, T20I is the other format which will be in focus this year because of the T20 World Cup. Shami also talked about his chances of making it to the T20 WC squad.

“Whenever it comes to T20s , many times I don’t understand that whether I am in scene or not. 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 will ask me to play, I’ll be available,” Shami added.