Shami May Return in Squad Against England in the Test Series

Mohamed Shami said his recovery from an ankle injury is progressing "well" and he looks forward to returning for the five-Test series against England starting on January 25.

My rehabilitation is well on track and the medical experts at NCA are happy with my progress ~ Shami told The Times of India.

There is 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.

Shami was included in India's Test squad for the two matches in South Africa, subject to his fitness. He did not travel with the team and was subsequently withdrawn from the series, which India drew 1-1 by winning the 2nd test in Cape Town, after not recovering in time. He was not selected in India's T20I squad against Afghanistan which will be played on January 11, 14 and 17.

We did well in the second Test," Shami said about India's performance in South Africa. "Everyone contributed 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.

Shami was awarded the Arjuna Award, India's second highest sporting honor after 'Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna', and visited Delhi on January 9 to receive the award. He became the highest wicket-taker in the 2023 ODI World Cup with 24 wickets in just seven matches at an average of 10.70 and a strike rate of 12.20.