Amid rising speculation about his fitness, veteran India pacer Mohammed Shami has assured that he is completely pain-free and remains in contention for India’s high-profile Test tour of Australia next month.
Shami bowled at full intensity during a net session after India’s opening Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru on Sunday. This came just days after skipper Rohit Sharma disclosed that the pacer had been dealing with swelling in his knees, hampering his recovery from an ankle injury sustained last year.
“I am very happy with how I bowled yesterday. Before that, I was using a half run-up to manage the load. But yesterday, I went full tilt and gave 100 per cent,” Shami said at an event by Eugenix Hair Sciences, where he also reflected on his cricketing journey.
“The outcome was good. I am completely pain-free now. There’s been a lot of talk about whether I’ll make it to the Australia series, but there’s still time,” he said, referring to the five-match Border Gavaskar series starting November 22 in Perth.
Rohit had previously expressed reservations about fielding an “undercooked” Shami for such a crucial series.
Shami also shared his intention to play a few Ranji Trophy games for Bengal to fine-tune his form. “My focus is on fitness and how strong I can be for the Australia series. I understand the kind of bowling attack we’ll need there, and I need more time on the field,” he explained.
“I want to get in a couple of (Ranji) matches before heading to Australia,” he added.
Shami last featured for India during the 2023 ODI World Cup final on November 19, where India faced Australia. He has been sidelined since then due to the injury.