Internet Desk: England captain Alastair Cook’s off-stump breaking into two and doing a cartwheel would probably be a visual that was the highlight of the 2nd Test at Vizag. Mohammad Shami was snaring with pace and control in England’s 1st innings striking as early as in the second over of his new ball spell. That was Shami’s lone wicket in the 1st innings but what stood out was his accuracy to bowl at the right line and lengths for long periods of time.
In an exclusive interview to Bcci.tv on the win at Vizag Mohammad Shami said, “It was an important victory for us especially considering the fact that we have still three Test matches to go. After the draw in the first Test it was necessary to take a lead that would give us confidence going into the next Test match. It was a hard fought victory and I am sure the team would be brimming with confidence at this moment.
Regarding the difference between the pitches of Rajkot and Vizag Shami’s views were, “There was assistance for the bowlers in this wicket in both innings. The old ball was reversing and carrying well at the same time. But that was not enough to be successful on this wicket because you had to work hard to get your wickets. We wanted to bowl in the right line and lengths.
In the second Test the most talked about dismissal was when Alaistar Cook’s stump broke into two pieces. What was the plan and how was it executed? According to Shami, “I wanted Cook to keep playing away from his body. I kept swinging the ball away consistently and got one to nip back in to take him surprise. I bowled two deliveries away from him and the moment I got the next one to come back into him, there was a slight gap between his bat and pad and it got him bowled.
In the last few years Shami has become the mainstay of Indian pace bowling, how is he enjoying the journey? Shami’s views are, “The more cricket you play, the more smart and patient you get. You bowl according to situations and think of different ways to get a batsman out. You keep asking yourself when to put in those hard yards and look for the right time to strike. The development of a bowler depends a lot on the bowling unit as well. If there are bowlers around you who are chipping away on the wickets, it helps you to do well on an individual basis and plan dismissals better. If you have to be accurate, you have to be patient. Accuracy comes with experience.
Courtsey-BCCI