Mohammed Shami Opens Up On How He Developed Reverse-Swing
Published - 17 Apr 2020, 11:34 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:05 AM
India fast-bowler Mohammed Shami has revealed how he developed reverse-swing. Unlike the typical fast-bowlers, the right-arm pacer does not really relish a green top and bowling with the new ball. He looks most devastating when he operates with an old ball and on a worn out pitch.
His stats in the second innings of Tests pretty much proved that. Since 2018, he has picked up three five-wicket hauls in second innings which is the most by any bowler. During this phase, he has picked up 48 wickets in 21 second innings at a stunning average of 17.41. In contrast, he has taken only 37 wickets in 22 first innings at an average of more than 31 with best figures of 4 for 81.
One of prime reasons behind his success in the second innings of the game is his mastery with the reverse-swing. Mohammed Shami is undoubtedly one of the best if not the best exponent of reverse-swing in the world right now. His accuracy and seam position are another factors behind his impressive show with the ball.
In a recent interview, Mohammed Shami opened up on his mindset while bowling. The fast-bowler stressed that he now only focuses on maintaining a good speed but also on the seam and swing.
“I try to ensure that my pace doesn’t fall below the 140kph mark. But my focus is on the seam and swing. I have always tried to make sure that these two things remain perfect. I can bring pace with my physical strength and you can always work on it by doing strength training. But I have always given priority to swing and seam and never for a minute let them take a backseat,” Mohammed Shami told IANS.
Mohammed Shami further spoke about reverse-swing, perhaps the most potent weapon of his armoury. The India star opened up on how he developed the reverse-swing.
“As you keep playing, you learn a lot of things. It is all about following one process after the other. So, when you have learnt one trick and mastered it, you then move to the next one and work on that. In the beginning, I didn’t have much idea about reverse swing.
“But slowly I came to understand what the process of reverse swing is all about and how it can be an integral part of a pace bowler’s armoury. Then I started working on it because you are not born with it. It wasn’t like God sent me with the art. I had to work hard and to be honest, you have to work hard for everything that you wish to achieve in life,” he added.
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