Mohammed Shami thinks Team India should be able to register a hat-trick of Test series victories on Australian soil if their “attitude and loyalty” towards the game remain unchanged.
Shami, who took time out to be present for the Cricket Association of Bengal’s 2023-24 annual awards ceremony at the Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium here on Saturday, is still working on regaining full fitness ahead of the selection for the Australia tour.
However, given how India had fared Down Under during their previous tour inthe 2020-21 season — winning the series 2-1 without the presence of several seniors and regulars — Shami feels the pressure will be much more on Pat Cummins and Co. this time around.
“Such a series is never easy. We have to approach with the same intensity, need to believe in and focus on our skills instead of our opponents,” Shami, a recipient of a special award from the CAB for his performance in last year’s ODI World Cup, said.
“It’s not about having a different kind of preparation, but the feeling may differ during an overseas tour. Very few teams have been able to beat Australia in Australia, but we did on back-to-back occasions (first in 2018-19)... Something they might never have expected... Even in the absence of some of our seniors, we beat them last time. So they should be the ones worried this time.
“I think our preparation should not change much. Just that attitude and loyalty should be the same,” the 34-year-old said.
As for his return to international cricket, Shami is waiting for the time when there isn’t an iota of doubt over his fitness.
“I’ve resumed bowling at the NCA (National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru) and want to return as quickly as I can and be stronger. But I don’t want any doubt to remain in my mind, so I better not do anything in haste... Doesn’t matter how many more days it takes.
“I’ll complete my fitness process and then see if I can return for New Zealand or even in the (second Test of) Bangladesh series... Don’t want any kind of discomfort to remain.”