Mohammed Shami Opens Up On Extreme Heat Conditions For Bowlers In Mohali, Says 'Players Are Also Human'
Published - 23 Sep 2023, 02:06 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:19 AM
Indian pacer Mohammed Shami addressed concerns about the team’s bowlers facing extreme heat during the first ODI against Australia. Mohammed Shami admitted that conditions can’t be used as an excuse for performances, but said that they are also humans.
Indian bowlers had to take additional breaks due to the extreme heat during the series opener in Mohali on Friday, September 22. Shami was seen leaving the field after his first spell, and Shardul Thakur also took a mid-over break in challenging weather conditions.
Heat Is Definitely A Factor – Mohammed Shami
Speaking at a post-match conference, Mohammed Shami stated that they don’t discuss the heat factor in the team’s tactics and that they adapt their bowling according to the situation.
“We never talk much about this (extreme heat) with respect to tactics. It totally depends on the state of the game if we are to bowl long or short spells. Heat is definitely a factor but when you’ve been playing international cricket for so long, it cannot be an excuse,” Shami said.
“It doesn’t mean a player’s fitness has fallen or he is struggling. Players are also human. It also depends on how much effort you’re putting in. Sometimes, if the surface isn’t responsive enough, you have to put that much extra as a fast bowler and that makes a difference,” he added.
Indian skipper KL Rahul opted to bowl first after winning the toss. The Indian bowlers bundled out the opposition team for 276 runs despite facing challenges with the conditions. Shami registered his career-best bowling figures of 5/51 to guide the team to a five-wicket victory.
I’ve Always Been In Rhythm – Mohammed Shami
The 33-year-old emphasized the importance of taking a break from the West Indies series after playing a lot of cricket. Shami said that strong batting and bowling performances by India are good preparation for the ODI World Cup 2023.
“I’ve always been in rhythm whenever I have come back to the team. But yes, that break was needed as I had been playing regularly for seven to eight months. I felt like I needed a break and I discussed that with the captain and coach. But my rest is never technically rest as my preparation happens a lot more while I’m at my home. There is a whole setup there for practice and conditioning.”
“Before a big event, when you play such games against a strong opposition, it’s important for the batters to do well. Confidence is the key. Getting such a boost before a big event is always great for the team. It’s crucial that the batting and bowling departments are both firing together. I think that’s the best preparation,” Shami concluded.
Ruturaj Gaikwad (71) and Shubman Gill (74) added a 142-run opening partnership in the run chase. KL Rahul and Suryakumar Yadav also smacked half centuries to help the team chase down the target.
