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India's premier fast bowler Mohammed Shami has said that he is trying his best to make himself available for selection for the upcoming five-Test series against England. The first Test of the series in Hyderabad will start on January 25.
Talking to India Today exclusively after getting the Arjuna award, an ecstatic called it the 'biggest achievement of his life'.
"It's the biggest achievement of my life I can't express my feelings. I love my sport and I always try to do my best at whatever I am doing. The kind of support I got from my family to pursue my dream is just amazing. I don't have words to explain how I started my journey from Amroha to Indian cricket. Passion has always been there and I try to play as much as I can and do well for the country," said Shami.
Shami was asked about his availability for the Test series against Ben Stokes-led England to which he replied, “I am trying my best to be available for the selection for England The series. Test match is a longer format so you don't want to be in doubt.”
Shami was also asked about the T20 World Cup which is scheduled to be played in the USA and West Indies. Shami is unsure whether he is in the scheme of things in the format and will let his performance in IPL 2024 do the talking.
"Whenever it comes to T20s, many times I don't understand whether I am in the scene or not. 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," the 33-year-old added.
Like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Shami has not played a single T20I since India's T20 World Cup semifinal exit after a 10-wicket loss to England in Melbourne.
Before the Test series, India will play a final three-T20I series against Afghanistan. Rohit and Kohli have returned to the squad while a few players have been rested including pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. The T20I series will commence on January 11 in Mohali.
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