Ravindra Jadeja returns after injury and eyes Test return against Australia

Jadeja had been sidelined by injury for almost five months. He injured a knee during the Asia Cup in September 2022.

The 34-year-old will soon play for Saurashtra against Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy.

He has been included in India's squad for next month's Test series against Australia, subject to fitness.

"I'm almost ready. I was at the National Cricket Academy for 20 days, doing batting and bowling, but the match scenario is different. I wanted to play one game before the Australia series, that's why I am here. Hopefully, I will be fully recovered to play the first Test," said Jadeja.

"After five months, if you play a competitive game, you don't feel confident initially. But as you progress, you will get better and better.

"Injuries are part of the sport. In any sport, if you get injured, you have to start from scratch. Same thing in cricket. I was out of action for five months, so again I have to build my fitness first and then slowly, once I get fit and once I regain my confidence, then definitely I will work on my skills and get better day by day."

Jadeja has been capped 60 times in Test cricket since debuting in 2012. He has also played 171 ODIs and 64 T20Is.