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Reported By: Sahil Malhotra
Last Updated: September 22, 2023, 23:39 IST
Mohammed Shami revealed how his partnership with Jasprit Bumrah worked magic for India. (AP Image)
Mohammed Shami broke silence on warming the bench during Asia Cup 2023 and how his ‘partnership’ with Jasprit Bumrah helped India to a 5-wicket win over Australia
India seamer Mohammed Shami played a leading role with 5/51 in India’s five-wicket win over Australia in Mohali on Thursday. The seamer, who hasn’t played a lot of cricket in the last couple of months, looked in excellent rhythm and picked wickets whenever he came on to bowl. In very hot conditions, Shami bowled with a lot of control and returned with only his second fifer in ODIs.
At the post-match media interaction, the experienced seamer, who is set to play his third ODI World Cup next month, spoke about the break after the World Test Championship final, bowling with Jasprit Bumrah, wicket of Mohali and more.
On rest period after WTC final
Yes, whenever I have come back, I have had same rhythm but it was important to take that break, because back to back I had played continuously for 7-8 months and at the back of my head, I felt I needed a break for a series. I discussed with coach and captain and took a break (from WI series). But my break never seemed like a break for me because I have an elaborate training set-up there at home and I end up training more than when I am with the Indian team.
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On Surya and openers getting runs
When you play matches against big teams before a marquee event, it’s important that openers get good start or Surya, who wasn’t getting runs got a score, it is important for confidence and it helps going forward. Team bonding, body language changes and that’s the best preparation.
On bowling small spells today
There is not such talk about it (bowling small spells). It depends upon the situation. How is the partnership going and how well you are bowling. Sometimes you have to bowl six overs on the trot as well, while sometimes you bowl only three overs. The heat does play a part and we are also human being, it takes a toll on body and stamina. But when you have played international cricket for so long, it will not affect your fitness but it depends how much effort we are putting in. If the wicket is not helpful, then you put in extra effort and bowl a couple of overs extra.
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On injuries to fast bowlers right now
The rotation has helped us and especially in these conditions, you need to rotate the bowlers. We say that is easy for the batters but it is not like that but rotation policy is very good. Before ICC World Cup, everyone wants to stay fit and it’s not a rocket science.
On Mohali wicket and bowling with Bumrah
When you get such wicket where nothing is happening and suddenly get that rhythm it gives you satisfaction, it gives you momentum. In the past seven eight years, we (pacers) bowl in partnerships. If you see today when I was getting the wickets, Bumrah was not leaking runs. It was a partnership and we got the result. At the end of the day, luck also plays the part. Today was my day.
Nothing special. It was nothing special. I just tried to hit the good length, top of off stump and was waiting for him to make a mistake.
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On warming the bench
This is team’s plan and it is important to stick with it. You can’t be in the playing XI because a lot depends upon the team combination. When you are playing regularly then someone has to sit out, you can’t afford to feel guilty and if the team is winning what else one can ask for. If you are playing it is good and if you are not in the playing XI, then you should be supportive to those who are playing. I think there is no point feeling guilty and low and I am ready to play the role team gives me.
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