“Trying best to be available for the selection for England Test series” – Mohammed Shami on his injury recovery.

India’s current best fast bowler Mohammed Shami has expressed his determination to recover from an ankle injury, aiming to make himself available for selection in the upcoming home Test series against England. The much-anticipated five-Test series is set to commence in Hyderabad on January 25.

The 33-year-old has been sidelined since the 2023 ODI World Cup final, grappling with the lingering effects of his ankle injury. Shami’s absence was notably felt during the South African tour, where he missed the entire series, including the drawn two-Test matches.

Recent reports have suggested that Shami might be sidelined for the initial two Tests of the England series. However, Shami, who received the prestigious Arjuna Award, addressed questions regarding his potential availability for the Test series against England during an interview with India Today.

Shami said “I am trying best to be available for the selection for England Test series but test match is longer format so you don’t want to be in doubt.”

In addition to discussing his recovery efforts, Shami also shed light on his plans for the T20 World Cup scheduled for June.

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