Mohammed Shami has started rigorous training before taking the field in the T20I series against England. Having not played for the national team since the ODI World Cup final against Australia back in November 2023, the speedster will be raring to make a mark, especially with the Champions Trophy in Pakistan and the UAE knocking on the door.

In the training session before the first T20I on January 22 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, Shami went full throttle while bowling. His left knee was heavily strapped, but the speedster showed promising signs before making a comeback.

Everyone's eyes were on Shami as he is in the Champions Trophy squad. And the team management also wanted the experienced player to be in the pace attack. Shami's practice session was also attended by head coach Gautam Gambhir, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, and former South African pacer Morne Morkel. The Bengal pacer was seen engaging in a lengthy discussion with Morkel, indicating his eagerness to improve.

Shami's return to the national team is a significant boost for India, who are set to take on England in the T20I series. The team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, will be looking to make a strong statement after the introduction of strict rules and regulations by the BCCI.

Meanwhile, there was a notable absence from the practice session, with young pacer Arshdeep Singh missing the first day's proceedings. According to sources, Arshdeep is expected to join the team on Sunday night and will begin practising from Monday.

Mohammed Shami set for comeback

After the ODI World Cup final, Shami was . His rehabilitation was hindered by knee swelling, forcing him to miss the home Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand.

A side strain in November ruled him out of the early stages of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and a subsequent knee injury dashed his hopes of touring Australia.

Shami eventually returned to competitive cricket, featuring for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy. He later participated in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy, delivering strong performances with the ball while also contributing useful cameos with the bat.