Former India opener Aakash Chopra questions Mohammed Shami's fitness and readiness for India's T20I series against England after his extended absence despite being in the squad. Shami has not played in the first two T20Is,

Mohammed Shami is back. The pacer has been named in the playing XI for the third T20I against England in Rajkot.

Mohammed Shami returns to cricket after a year due to injury, contributing to India's T20I series against England. India leads the five-match series 2-0 and Shami replaces Arshdeep Singh in the lineup.

Rajkot: India pacer Mohammed Shami made his much-awaited comeback as captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and opted to field against England in their third T20I at the Niranjan Shah Stadium here Tuesday.

He eventually returned to competitive cricket in the Ranji Trophy, leading Bengal to their first win of the season with a seven-wicket haul. He followed it up with strong performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (11 wickets) and the Vijay Hazare Trophy (five wickets).

In a blow to the Indian cricket team, fast bowler Mohammed Shami was left out of the Playing XI for the first match of the five-game T20I series against England being held at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The decision has dampened hopes of Shami's much-awaited return to international cricket.

The 34-year-old is returning to the national team for the first time since the 2023 Cricket World Cup final after an extended period away from the game.

Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar has underlined the importance of Shami's inclusion in the Champions Trophy squad annoucement in Mumbai on Saturday

The third T20 match between India and England is scheduled to be played in Rajkot. With India leading the series 2-0 after winning the first two games, England faces a must-win situation to stay alive in IND vs ENG T20I series and avoid an early defeat.

Mohammed Shami could be on the sidelines once again as India look to seal the five-match series with a victory over England in Rajkot.