18 April 2024 last updated at 15:13 GMT
 
Gambhir ready for England tour
Thursday 30 June 2011

India opener Gautam Gambhir declared himself fit for the upcoming cricket tour to England. The left-hander skipped the tour of the West Indies to recover from a shoulder injury said he feels no pain in the joint and it’s just a question of getting some much-needed practice.

"I am back at my full fitness and feeling fresh both physically and mentally. The pain that I had in my shoulder is gone," Gambhir told PTI .

"Before returning from Bangalore I batted in the nets against the likes of S Sreesanth and I didn't feel any discomfort. Even in Delhi I will resume practice in a day or two," he said.

The 29-year-old left-hander, who has 3234 runs in 38 Tests at an average of 51.33, will be playing Test matches for the first time in England if he is picked for the series starting July 21.

All excited about the challenge, Gambhir said he is working hard on his game.

"I think it begins with mental adjustment. One has to see the ball early and play it late. For some time now I'm not playing on rise. At the top level one has to tighten up his game and I have done that," said the batsman who has 4073 runs in 114 ODIs.

"In England, for first few balls you can't drive on the up till you are very sure. There are certain other strokes one should avoid. The rest I'd do it when I reach there," Gambhir added.

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