Shami Acknowledges India's Venue Benefit in CT, Says 'It Aided Our Understanding of Pitch Dynamics'
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Synopsis
Mohammed Shami highlights the benefit of playing all ICC Champions Trophy matches at one venue, enhancing India's adaptability to pitch conditions. With Bumrah injured, Shami shoulders more responsibility, aiming to lead the bowling attack effectively.
Key Takeaways
- Mohammed Shami emphasizes the advantage of a single venue in adapting to pitch conditions.
- Shami leads the bowling attack in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah.
- He is focused on regaining his rhythm and contributing significantly to the team.
- The 34-year-old has resumed his long bowling spells post-injury.
- Shami advocates for the return of saliva use in cricket to enhance reverse swing.
Dubai, March 5 (NationPress) India’s leading pace bowler Mohammed Shami asserts that competing in all their ICC Champions Trophy matches at a single venue in Dubai has provided the team with a vital edge in adjusting to the conditions and pitch dynamics.
"This has certainly aided us since we are familiar with the conditions and the pitch's behavior. Playing all the matches at one venue is a significant advantage. The key is to assess the conditions and understand how the pitch behaves, which we can do well here," Shami remarked following India's four-wicket triumph over Australia in the semi-final.
While India capitalizes on their knowledge of the Dubai pitch, Shami has taken on a greater role in the bowling lineup. With Jasprit Bumrah sidelined due to injury, he has led the pace attack alongside young Harshit Rana and all-rounder Hardik Pandya.
"I am working to regain my rhythm and contribute more to the team. It becomes a responsibility when we lack two specialized fast bowlers, and I must carry more of that load," he stated.
Shami has bowled his complete quota of 10 overs in two matches thus far, though his workload was lighter against Pakistan and New Zealand, where spinners dominated the attack. Nevertheless, he remains confident in his capability to perform under pressure.
"There is a burden when you are the primary fast bowler while the other is an all-rounder. You must take wickets and lead decisively. I have adapted to this pressure and am striving to ease the burden on others by giving more than 100 percent," he added.
The 34-year-old bowler had missed over a year of international cricket due to an ankle injury incurred during the 2023 ODI World Cup, but he now feels fit enough to bowl extended spells.
"The trust discussion concludes when you are selected for the team. I don’t believe it’s necessary to worry excessively about fitness. We just need to exert ourselves and see how our bodies respond. After all, we are athletes. I am now prepared for long spells. Short spells are relatively easy—whether it’s six balls or 12 balls—and in limited-overs cricket, it’s irrelevant if it’s 10 or six overs," Shami explained.
In addition to his personal performance, Shami reiterated his ongoing plea for the ICC to reassess the saliva ban, arguing that its reinstatement would enhance the art of reverse swing.
"We are attempting to achieve reverse swing, but the use of saliva is not allowed in the game. We are continuously advocating for the allowance of saliva, as it would make the game more interesting with reverse swing," he expressed.
