After experiencing a setback in his recuperation, Mohammed Shami said that he is now “100%” pain-free. He plans to play “one or two domestic matches” to demonstrate his suitability for the Australia trip.

Following the completion of the first Test match between India and New Zealand on Sunday at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, the 34-year-old pacer—who hasn’t competed for India since the 2023 ODI World Cup—reported that he bowled with a complete run-up and was confident about his health.

“Yesterday felt fantastic. Prior to that, I had been bowling with a half run-up because I didn’t want to overtax my body,” Shami said on Monday, October 21, on the fringes of an event in Gurgaon. “We made the decision yesterday to bowl at maximum effort for the previous two sessions, and I gave it all I had. It was satisfying, and the outcomes were positive. I’m hoping to get back on track quickly.”

After the World Cup last year, Shami had a left Achilles heel injury that kept him out of action, and the knee issues made his situation worse. Last week, Rohit Sharma said that Shami had a swollen knee despite almost reaching 100% fitness and that it was now “very difficult” to make a decision on the fast bowler. Rohit went on to say that it would not be the “right decision” for the squad to send a “undercooked” Shami to Australia.

“That series is still far away, but I know everyone has been thinking about whether or not I will go to Australia,” Shami said, adding that he is “100%” pain-free.

“I just want to concentrate on staying in shape and building up my strength in preparation for the trip. It would be preferable for me to practice the subtleties and spend more time on the ground before heading out since I know the sort of assault we want for that Test series.”It would be preferable if I could play one or two domestic matches before heading to Australia, provided that I could recover and had eight to 10 days off.

“I’m not sure when I can play again, but I’ll try to play a match as soon as I feel confident bowling 20–30 overs and the doctors give me the all-clear. Prior to heading for the Australia series, I want to spend as much time as possible on the ground.”

On November 22 in Perth, Australia, the first Test match between Australia and India will begin precisely one month from today.