“It’s been so long since I left the team, why are you trying so hard so quickly?” (I know I have been out of action for quite some time so I am working hard to get back on track), Shami said at the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) annual awards ceremony. “But I want to make sure that when I come back I am comfortable. I have to build up my fitness so that I am comfortable.”
“The stronger I become, the better for me. I don’t want to risk getting injured again in a match like the Bangladesh, New Zealand or Australia series. I have already started bowling, but I won’t take any risks until I am 100 per cent fit.”
Shami is expected to feature in one or two of Bengal’s Ranji Trophy matches against UP (October 11) and Bihar (October 18).
Shami has also hinted at playing domestic cricket before returning to the international stage.
“If I have to play domestic cricket to test my fitness, I will do it,” Shami said. “The most important thing is to be fully prepared for whatever happens next, regardless of the opponent or format.”
Shami is expected to be a key figure for India as they prepare for the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.
“Favorites So we’re there, we have to worry about them. “I think they should be worried because we are the strongest candidates,” Shami said.
PTI copy edited
