Former India bowling coach stresses the need of a fit-again Shami

Shami
Mohammed Shami took 4 wickets against West Indies the last ODI. Image Source: twitter

Internet Desk: India speedster Md. Shami gave a good account of himself in the fifth and final One Day against West Indies at the Sabina Park yesterday. The fast bowler from Bengal, playing in his second ODI after a long injury lay off put up a brilliant show with the old ball to pave the way for a comprehensive series win for Virat Kohli and his team.

It was mainly the effort of Umesh Yadav and Md. Shami, who restricted the home side from not posting a huge total. The hosts were reduced only for 205/9 in their stipulated 50 overs. The Indians made short work of the target as they successfully chased the total with 79 balls to spare. Captain Virat Kohli led from the front with another ton (111 runs) while Dinesh Karthik scored a well made 50 off only 52 balls. India won the five match series by a 3-1 margin.

Shami brushed aside the Caribbean lower order with his pace. His figures read 10-0-48-4. Umesh Yadav was lethal at the start, giving three crucial breakthroughs.

Former India bowling Coach Bharat Arun was happy to see the return of Shami to form. With the test series coming up against Sri Lanka later this month, the return of Shami to form will augur well for Kohli and his team.

“It was expected (his comeback). I am very happy to see him bowl with the same pace and vigour, we are used to watching. He did showed signs of coming back to form which will keep the team management happy. With the test series coming against Sri Lanka, Shami’e return to form will be key. But we need a fit Shami for the test series coming up against South Africa in December.”

Bharat himself have been monitoring Shami at the NCA. Speaking about his rehab, Bharat said, “The support staff at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) needs to patted for making Shami fit.”

He further added, “Shami’s biggest strength has been his pace and the way he can move the ball both ways with the old ball as well. It is difficult for a fast bowler to strike the rhythm straight away but Shami with his smooth run up and high arm bowling action is just away from striking the right form.”