I am confident it will be a great summer for us: Mohammed Shami

Following a historic series of events in Australia, Team India maintained their form by defeating England comprehensively at home to secure a spot in the inaugural World Test Championship Final. 

Virat Kohli-led side will embark on a four-month-long tour to England for the ICC World Test Championship and five-match Test series. A tight-packed English summer awaits India. The five-match series against England proves to be a stiff challenge. Mohammed Shami, in an exclusive interview with Gulf News, said that he believes team will have a "great summer" considering their recent form. 

“We have played some extraordinary cricket in recent times as a unit and naturally, the confidence level is high on the eve of our departure for England. If we can reproduce some of the form which we did over the last six months, I am confident it will be a great summer for us," Shami told Gulf News. 

The Bengal pacer will return to the international scene after an injury layoff. He suffered an injury during the first Test against Australia at the Adelaide. The injury worsened and he had to miss the remainder of the series. On being asked about his return to full fitness, the 30-year-old said, “The experience over the years have helped me to learn to look after my body. I know how much training is needed, how to keep myself hydrated etc - all these factors must have also helped. I do not believe in overthinking about what my approach will be. I found my rhythm back in the IPL and the rest, of course, depends on the conditions.”

With the likes of Prasidh Krishna, Avesh Khan, Shivam Mavi, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Chethan Sakariya and Karthik Tyagi rising through the tiers, there seems to be no dearth of pace bowling resources in India. Mohammed Shami further added that he wishes to pass his wisdom to the young and exuberant pace bowlers before he hangs up his boots. 

“It comes automatically as after being in international cricket for so many years, I would like to share any input that the youngsters may want. I am not going to play forever, so it will be great if I can pass on something to the youngsters," he concluded. 

[Gulf News]