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.

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.

There was a big surprise as far as India's playing XI is concerned with star pacer Mohammed Shami unable to make the cut.

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.

Shami was not included in the playing XI for the first T20I in Kolkata. Fans were left disappointed again in the 2nd T20I, as he remained absent from the lineup.

India has won the toss and elected to bowl first in the series-opening T20 against England's cricketers in Kolkata. Mohammed Shami missed out for India despite the fast bowler being available after more than a year on the sidelines.

Sanju Samson’s technical weaknesses against express pace along with Rinku Singh’s dip in form and fitness issues will be a concern for India when they take on a resurgent England in the fourth

Former India wicketkeeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha on Thursday acknowledged that his axing from the national side under Rahul Dravid’s coaching tenure in 2022 was “not an injustice” but a decision based on team requirements.

India will be keen to make up for the lost opportunity in Rajkot, and bounce back with a win to seal the five-match T20I series when they take on a resurgent England in the fourth T20 International in Pune on Friday.

Mohammed Shami returned to the Indian playing XI after 14 months. Arshdeep Singh has been rested. The India vs England 3rd T20I starts at 7 PM IST.

Mohammed Shami played his first international game after more than 400 days. The veteran was out of action due to ankle surgery.