In a pleasant news for India, veteran pacer Mohammad Shami has recovered from his niggles and is available for selection in the fifth Test against England at Old Trafford, slated to be played at Old Trafford from September 10.

Shami and another senior pacer Ishant Sharma were rested from the Oval Test that the visitors won by 157 runs to take an unbeatable 2-1 lead in the five-match series as both of them were carrying niggles.

As per a PTI report, Shami took part in the team's training session on Wednesday (September 8).

"Shami is fit. And when Shami is fit, he is an automatic choice," a senior BCCI official privy to the developments, told PTI.

It will be interesting to see how Shami gets into the side. While Jasprit Bumrah is having a great time in the ongoing series with 18 wickets to his name, Mohammed Siraj played a key role in India’s victory at Lord’s.

On the other hand, Umesh Yadav (6 wickets) and Shardul Thakur (two fifties and 3 wickets) performed brilliantly in the tourists’ win at the Oval.

Considering the upcoming events such as the remainder of IPL 2021 and the T20 World Cup, the Indian team management might rest Bumrah to manage his workload. In that case, Shami may replace Bumrah in the playing XI.  

Meanwhile, the medical team is still assessing senior batsmen Rohit Sharma (knee injury) and Cheteshwar Pujara (ankle) but it couldn't be ascertained whether they have partially or completely recovered.

According to PTI, Rohit is recovering well and chances of him being available are still bright but a decision would only be taken after medical team gives a green signal.

If Rohit fails to recover in time, the choice is between Abhimanyu Easwaran, Mayank Agarwal and Prithvi Shaw. In case of Pujara's absence, Hanuma Vihari and Suryakumar Yadav will compete for the place.

(With PTI inputs)