"My aim is to keep myself fit as far as possible", Shami ahead of the test series against England

Mohammed Shami (Pic: File Pic)

Star Indian pacer Mohammed Shami who is still recovering from an ankle injury said, keeping in mind the home test series against England, his prime focus is to achieve optimum fitness.

Mohammed Shami played a pivotal role in Team India's ICC World Cup 2023 campaign. He was honoured with the Arjuna Award, the second-highest sporting honour in the country on Tuesday.

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Shami ended the tournament as the highest wicket-taker. He claimed 24 wickets in the global showpiece in India last year.

"My aim is to keep myself fit as far as possible, as the next two tournaments and series are big. I will focus on fitness," Shami, who took 24 wickets in seven World Cup games, told PTI on Monday night during a reception hosted by the sports ministry for this year's national sports awards winners.

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"There is no tension about my skill, as I believe if I maintain my fitness, skill will be there on the ground."
Shami, who is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore, had missed the recent South Africa series after not being cleared by the BCCI Medical team.

The five-match test series against England will kickstart on January 25. Mohammed Shami in the only cricketer among the 26 sportsperson to receive the Arjuna Award. President Droupadi Mumru presented the award at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

"It's a dream come true, it's my life's biggest achievement, the fruit of my hard work," said the Uttar Pradesh-born cricketer, who has taken 229 wickets in 64 Tests so far in his career.
"No one can change your luck. If anything is decided by destiny, it is bound to happen. One must continue his hard work; it will pay off."

(With PTI Inputs)