Here's some good news for India. Paceman Ishant Sharma says he's fit and raring to go in international cricket after underlining his form and fitness in domestic competitions ahead of next month's Test series against visiting England.
The 24-year-old Delhi quick played in only his second long-duration game since going under the knife in March, though he was in the Test squad for the two-match series against New Zealand in August.
"I am stronger mentally and physically and am a better bowler now," said Ishant, referring to his rehab following the surgery.
"Having dedicated time to myself after the surgery has helped. I have worked quite a lot on my body. I want to continue bowling as much as I can and I wouldn't be compromising on pace," he told reporters on Tuesday on the sidelines of the Duleep Trophy, in which his fiery spell of 4-29 from 17 overs destroyed West Zone.
"The injury period was quite tough. I went to National Cricket Academy to train for three months... long sessions, from 10 in the morning to 5 in the evening... It was hard work, but hard work pays off.
The effort and the intensity is the same (as before), but I have improved my outswinger and my strength and I am happy with the results," he added.
Ishant bowled at full clip for North and hurried the batsman on the slow Chepauk track. "The wickets are always flat in India and one can't complain. But I am mentally and physically much stronger now.
My motive was to keeping hitting the right length, keep posing problems to batsmen," said Ishant, whose last international appearance was the Adelaide Test in January.
"I have seen my worst period when nobody asked me where I was," he said, referring to his long injury lay-off. "My family and friends helped me through it. Missing the IPL (to undergo surgery) was my decision.
Looking back I think it was a good decision," Ishant, who has taken 133 wickets in 45 Tests, added.
Ishant returned to domestic cricket with the season-opening Irani Cup in Bangalore last month and impressed in the subsequent Challenger Trophy one-dayers at Rajkot.
"I am looking ahead to bowl well in the Duleep Trophy matches and also the first Ranji game. I sure am hopeful of making a comeback during the England series," he signed off.
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