IND vs ENG: Mohammed Shami to gain confidence from spell against England? Find what Parthiv Patel predicts
Xtra Time Web Desk: Former India cricketer-turned-commentator Parthiv Patel thinks Mohammed Shami’s spell in India’s fifth T20I victory over England will play a key role to boost his confidence ahead of the upcoming ODI series and the Champions Trophy.
Shami has returned to the side after missing out a long period due to injury in the third T20 against England where he went wicketless but in the fourth T20, he grabbed the lens with his stellar 3/25 spell in Mumbai on February 3, helping India dismantle England by 150 runs.
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With the Champions Trophy just weeks away, the veteran pacer’s return to form strengthens India’s pace attack at a vital juncture.
"He (Shami) got his first wickets after 444 days without international cricket. He came and didn't have a good first-over, but you need a bit of luck, obviously. To be out of international cricket for so long, it's not easy, and especially when you're coming in on a very flat wicket, where the opposition are going to go after you because you are chasing 247," Parthiv Patel said.
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"Good that Shami got a couple of wickets. Just to get a couple of wickets will give Shami that confidence for going into 50-over cricket," he added.
Shami’s experience and skill will be invaluable as he will now join India’s ODI squad for the three-match series against England, starting February 6 in Nagpur. His ability to lead the pace attack alongside Jasprit Bumrah will be key.
