"I believe India are the favourites to win the series" - Mohammed Shami

Veteran India pace bowler Mohammad Shami thinks India have a great chance of making it three-in-a-row against Australia Down Under this winter as well. However, Team India have won the last two away series in Australia, in 2018-19 and 2020-21. And, Australia failed to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy since 2014. Shami was part of the 2018-19 series in Australia but did not play in the team's most recent visit two years later as well.

"I believe India are the favourites to win the series. In the last series in Australia, we played with a young team, with many senior players absent, yet we still proved we were the best. I expect the next series to be highly competitive, but I'm confident that India will come out victorious," said the Indian pacer.

"I don't want to rush myself" - Mohammad Shami

Incidentally, Shami's last Test appearance was against Australia came in the World Test Championship final at The Oval in June 2023. He has been out of action since November last year, having undergone surgery in the meantime as well.

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When asked about his return, Shami said, "I don't want to rush myself, even though I want to come back as soon as possible. It's not advisable to return with any doubt. I need to be stronger, and the stronger I feel, the better it will be. My goal is to return at my strongest. While I aim to come back at the earliest, my priority is to be fully fit. So whether it's for the Australia, New Zealand, or Bangladesh series, it doesn't matter." Shami was speaking at the annual awards function in Kolkata on Saturday night."

"Bangladesh should consider our record, current form, and the strengths of the Indian team" - Mohammad Shami

When he was asked about his current fitness status, Shami said, "I've already started bowling. I want to ensure there are no doubts in my mind and that I must not feel any discomfort. Unless I'm 100 percent in every aspect - both mentally and physically - I won't consider returning to action. It doesn't matter which format I play or which team I'm selected for. If needed, I'll even play domestic cricket."

Shami, who has played 229 wickets in 64 Tests so far, believes India are strong favourites against Bangladesh as well. The two-match Test series against Bangladesh starts in Chennai on September 19 as well.

"It's fine if Bangladesh have beaten Pakistan, but we're playing at home. Bangladesh should consider our record, current form, and the strengths of the Indian team," he concluded.