xtratime Logo

Xtra Time Web Desk: Injured fast bowler Mohammed Shami has declared himself fully fit and is targeting a return in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. Shami, who last played in the 2023 ODI World Cup, expressed his intention to play a few Ranji Trophy matches to regain match fitness.

After undergoing ankle surgery post-World Cup, Shami has been rehabilitating at the National Cricket Academy under the supervision of BCCI medical staff. Recently, he was spotted bowling with a strapped knee at the center wicket after the Bengaluru Test, marking a positive step in his recovery.

"I am very happy with how I bowled yesterday. I was bowling from half run-up before that because I didn't want to take too much load. But yesterday, I decided to go full tilt, and I bowled at 100 percent," the 34-year-old told reporters on the sidelines of an event by Eugenix Hair Sciences, where he spoke about his cricketing journey.

Read More: IND vs NZ: Rohit Sharma joins MS Dhoni-Sourav Ganguly's which unwanted list? find out

"The result was good. I am 100 per cent pain-free. Everyone has been wondering for a long time about whether I will make it for the Australia series, but it is still some time away," he said, referring to the five-match contest that begins November 22 in Perth.

India captain Rohit Sharma had earlier addressed concerns about Mohammed Shami's injury, revealing that the pacer was still dealing with knee issues. Shami had strongly refuted these media reports before the New Zealand series, where he was not included in the India squad.

Read More: IND vs NZ: 3 hours won’t define us," says Rohit Sharma after tough Bengaluru Test loss

Shami also expressed his desire to play a couple of matches in the ongoing Ranji Trophy for Bengal to regain his form and match fitness ahead of the Australia series.

"The only thing on my mind is to ensure that I am fit and how strong I can be for the Australia series. I can see what kind of attack we need in Australia. I have to spend more time on the ground," he said.

"I want to play a couple of (Ranji) matches before I go," he added.

Shami has not played for India since the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia on November 19, owing to his ankle injury, which he got operated earlier this year.