• Source:JND
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India pacer Mohammed Shami, who is recovering from his ankle injury, is confident of featuring in the upcoming five-match Test series against England, starting on January 25. Shami said his rehabilitation is going on track and has started his training sessions at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.

"My rehabilitation is well on track and the medical experts at NCA are happy with my progress. 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," Times of India quoted the pacer as saying.

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The 33-year-old experienced speedster missed the two-match Test series against South Africa after not being cleared by the BCCI Medical Team. Shami has not played any international match for India after the ODI World Cup final loss against Australia in November last year.

Shami holds 229 wickets for India in 64 Tests at an average of 27.71 including six five-wicket hauls. He recently received the Arjuna Award for his contribution to the Indian team in 2023. He finished last year's ODI World Cup as the highest wicket-taker with 24 scalps in seven matches.

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The pacer lauded the Indian pace bowling attack comprising Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Shardul Thakur and debutant Prasidh Krishna for their performance in the South Africa Test tour.

"We did well in the second Test. Everyone contributed and our bowling effort was brilliant. It was a brilliant comeback by India to level the series," he said.

Shami looked confident to be available for the home Test series against England after missing the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan due to injury.

"Unfortunately I missed it because of injury but I want to get back to competitive cricket as soon as possible. Hopefully, you can see me back in action against England," he said.

On receiving the Arjuna Award from President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Shami called it a 'dream come true' moment.

"It's a dream come true, it's my life's biggest achievement, the fruit of my hard work. No one can change your luck. If anything is decided by destiny, it is bound to happen. One must continue his hard work; it will pay off," he told PTI after being conferred with Arjuna Award among 26 athletes on Tuesday.