Mohammed Shami Not Frustrated To Sit On The Sidelines, Backs Rotational Policy For Bowlers Ahead Of World Cup

Mohammed Shami delivered his career-best performance in ODIs and helped India take a crucial lead against Australia in the first ODI in Mohali. Indi won by five wickets chasing 277 to win after the match was set up by Shami’s fifer.

Mohammed Shami picked up 5/51 and bowled his quota of 10 overs. He dismissed Mitchell Marsh in the very first over to make early inroads into the Australian batting lineup.

He dismissed Steve Smith during the middle phase breaking an important stand of 94 runs between him and David Warner (52). The pacer finally came back in the end overs to dismiss Marcus Stoinis (29), Matthew Short (2) and Sean Abbott (20) to break the rhythm of the Australian innings.

Three of Mohammed Shami’s five wickets were bowled dismissals which proves the fact that he was bowling stump to stump throughout his spell. He bowled an initial spell of three overs in hot and humid conditions and came back to bowl his last seven overs in two spells.

Speaking to the reporters after the first ODI win, Shami said that he was not frustrated to sit on the sidelines and not play regularly for India in ODIs.

“This is a part and parcel of the game. It’s important to understand the team’s needs. It isn’t possible that you’ll always be part of the playing XI and team combinations. When we play regularly, someone or the other will have to sit out. There is no point being frustrated about it. Obviously it’s good if you’re in the XI but it’s also crucial to be understanding when on the bench. That role is also very important” said Shami.

Dont Think Bowlers Should Be Burdened A Lot: Mohammed Shami

He further backed the rotational policy for bowlers that is in place saying no ideal should be overburdened heading into the World Cup. In the process, he gave a thumbs up to this process that is in place within the team.

“The idea from the team management is to rotate according to the conditions and the situation, or depending on the opposition. They know how to handle it and if you see, the recent results have been quite good. The rotation is going smoothly and before the World Cup, I don’t think anyone should be burdened a lot.”

“It’s good for us because rotating pacers is key in such conditions. It’s more important for bowlers, not that it’s easier for batters but still. Rotation is important, especially before ICC tournaments. It particularly helps those who haven’t been in rhythm to get some much-needed game time,” said Shami.

The last two ODIs will be played in Indore (September 24, Sunday) and Rajkot (September 27, Wednesday).