Mohammed Shami marks his comeback date in competitive cricket: ' There is slight stiffness in my ankle but...'

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Mohammed Shami is well on track to recovery and is aiming to return to competitive cricket with the 5-Test series against England starting January 25. The star pacer, who received Arjuna Award on Tuesday, has been out of action since India's defeat in the World Cup 2023 final.

The 33-year-old was named in the India squad for 2-Test series against South Africa, but was withdrawn later as he failed to recover on time. Avesh Khan replaced him for the second Test in Cape Town.

Shami has revealed that he was healing well, and eyeing a comeback against England. However, he did not make it clear if he is expecting to be fit and running from the first Test.

“My rehabilitation is well on track, and the medical experts at NCA are happy with my progress. There is a slight stiffness in my ankle, but that's fine. I have started my training sessions, and I believe I will be able to make a comeback in the England series. I am targeting the series for my return,” Shami was quoted as saying by the Times of India.

IND vs ENG: Our pace attack best in world - Shami

Further, Shami hailed his pace partners Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj for breathing fire in the Cape Town. Siraj and Bumrah picked six-wicket hauls in the first and second innings, respectively. Shami said India's pace attack was one of the best in the world.

“We did well in the second Test (against South Africa). Everyone pitched in, and our bowling effort was brilliant. It was a brilliant comeback by India to level the series. Unfortunately, I missed it because of an injury, but I want to get back to competitive cricket as soon as possible. Hopefully, you can see me back in action against England.

“I can say with confidence that we are one of the world's best pace attacks. You saw that during the ODI World Cup. In the South Africa series, Jasprit and Siraj bowled brilliantly in the second Test. All I can say is that our pace attack is good enough to challenge any team in the world," Shami, who finished the World Cup 2023 as the leading wicket-taker (24 wickets in 7 matches), said.