India pacer Mohammed Shami is happy to be back after a long injury layoff. Shami, who has been ruled out of the 2023 ODI World Cup final, is set to feature for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy on Wednesday, November 13.

The star pacer suffered an ankle injury in last year’s World Cup for which he had to undergo surgery. Shami’s rehabilitation program was derailed ahead of the New Zealand Test series after his knee flared up. However, the pacer is finally set to make a comeback after almost a year of missing cricket action.

Shami took to social media after Bengal named him in the Ranji Trophy squad. The pacer said 360 days was a long time to be away from cricket and he had the same passion and hunger to do well.

“Back in action. 360 days is a long time! All set for the Ranji Trophy. Now back on the domestic stage with the same passion and energy. Huge thanks to all my fans for your endless love, support and motivation, – let’s make this a season to remember!” Mohammed Shami said on his social media channels.

Bengal are currently fifth in the points table with 8 points from 4 matches. Bengal picked up 3 crucial points from their last match against Karnataka. The team is scheduled to face Madhya Pradesh in the 5th round of the tournament on Wednesday, November 13.

Shami had spoken about his recovery in October. The pacer stressed that he is pain-free and wants to return to full bowling.

“I’m very happy with the way I played yesterday. I bowled from the middle innings before that because I didn’t want to take too much load. But yesterday, I decided to go full bowling and bowled 100 percent. ,” the 34-year-old told reporters during the Test match in Bengaluru against New Zealand.

“The result was good. I’m 100 per cent pain-free. Everyone has been wondering for a long time whether I’ll make it for the Australia series, but it’s still some time,” he said, referring to the five. -competition of matches starting on November 22nd in Perth.