Current India pacer makes bold prediction for the BGT as he looks to make his return from a long-term injury.
Current India pacer Mohammad Shami thinks India have a strong chance of making it three-in-a-row against Australia.
“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.
The last two away series in Australia, in 2018–19 and 2020–21, were won by India. Actually, not since 2014 has Australia held the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in their possession. Shami participated in the Australian series in 2018–19. Although he was absent from the team’s most recent trip, which took place two years later.
By the way, in June 2023, Shami played his final Test match at The Oval in the World Test Championship final against Australia. He underwent surgery in the interim and hasn’t played since the November 2018 India-Australia World Cup final.
Shami, who has 229 wickets in 64 Tests, believes India are strong favourites against Bangladesh.
“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.” The two-Test series against Bangladesh starts in Chennai on September 19.
Shami also said he wants to play for Bengal. “I definitely want to play for Bengal in the coming season. I am looking forward to playing two to three matches for Bengal in Ranji. It will help me to make a comeback in international cricket. I have been training at the NCA and I want to play as and when I am 100 percent fit.”
“I can’t thank Bengal enough. Born in a family in UP where there was no opportunity. So I often say I was born in UP but made in Bengal. This is a journey of 22 years and I am so grateful to Bengal for making me what I am. The love and warmth Bengal gives will be memorable. I want Women’s cricket to come up in a big way. People should not discriminate and I would be very happy to see our families.”