I'm trying my best and managing my workload as much as possible: Shami

Mohammed Shami's fitness status is a topic of discussion ahead of India's Test team selection. The veteran fast bowler has had an ordinary IPL season and is still feeling his way back after a long injury layoff.

Excerpts from an interview...Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Are you physically fit to take on the workload of playing a five-Test series in England?I'm trying my best, doing hard work, performing strength exercises, attending practice sessions regularly, delivering maximum numbers of balls in the nets and managing my workload as much as possible. Red ball ke liye workload badhana padega (for red-ball cricket, the workload needs to be increased).

The series is right after the IPL. There's also an India ‘A' series. So, it is hectic for everybody.Who's that IPL player?With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli having retired, do you feel India will miss out on crucial experience on the England tour?Aaj kal ke cricket mey senior aur junior ka kahan fark hai (the distinction between youngsters and senior players doesn't really exist in today's cricket)! All are mature enough for international cricket these days due to the huge exposure in the IPL.

The important thing to see is how the team is formed and what combinations are made. So in that sense, mera aur Bumrah ka rahna zaroori hai (it's important for me and Bumrah to be present on the England tour).

Leading the bowling unit is important.

Are you satisfied with your performance in the IPL so far?No, I am not satisfied. I couldn't deliver what I wanted to. I didn't meet expectations. But still, I feel I can give my best in any format, any time if given the opportunity.What problems does a pacer face while switching from T20s to Tests?If you are smart, I don't think it will take you much time to switch to the longest format. Yes, if we talk about the number of overs, it is just four overs in T20s while a Test requires a pacer to send down 15-20 overs in a day. It takes about 15-20 days of preparation to be fit for Test cricket. How is your stamina? What is your strength in Test matches? It is important to evaluate these things.

What advice would you give younger pacers like Mayank Yadav who have been struggling with their injuries of late?Injuries will remain a major issue as a fast bowler. It has happened to me, both major and minor issues. You have to be mentally and physically prepared to understand how much workload and stress are affecting you. You need to assess the strain your body is under and when you need recovery.