Mohammad Shami sends warning to Australia ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy

The Indian cricket team is setting its sights on a third consecutive appearance in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

To secure a spot at Lord's for the title clash, the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series against Australia has become a must-win battle for India. Currently, India is preparing to host Bangladesh for a two-match Test series, with the first game set to begin on September 19.

Fast bowler Mohammed Shami, who is recovering from Achilles Tendon surgery, has issued a stern warning to the Australians ahead of the series. Shami, not selected for the Bangladesh series, is expected to return for the BGT, teaming up with pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. With Bumrah’s workload being carefully managed, the pace trio will aim to be in peak form for the all-important clash.

"We are the favourites. They should be worried," Shami said.

India currently tops the WTC points table, with six wins in nine matches. However, Australia is close behind, having won eight of their 12 games. India will need to be cautious of any slip-ups, as every point will be crucial.

India's captain, Rohit Sharma, is fully aware of the stakes and has emphasized that there will be no room for complacency, even in the Bangladesh series.

“No dress rehearsal [for the Bangladesh series]. Every game is important, doesn’t matter where we play. We want to win this Test and the series. Not looking too far ahead. It’s nice to have everyone back and start the season on a high,” Rohit said.

Rohit also downplayed the external pressure, saying that while every team enjoys beating India, the squad remains focused on their own game. “Every team wants to beat India, they all enjoy that, lene do maze (let them enjoy). When England came, they also spoke a lot in the press conferences, but we do not focus on that. We try to play good cricket and not think too much about the opposition,” he added.