Mohammed Shami Surpasses Ajit Agarkar To Become Second Highest Wickettaker For India Against Australia In ODIs

Veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami achieved a massive milestone during the first ODI of the three-match series against Australia. Mohammed Shami surpassed former pacer Ajit Agarkar to become the second-highest wicket-taker for India in ODIs against Australia.

The Men in Blue won the toss and opted to bowl first at the PCA Stadium in Mohali on Friday, September 22. Mohammed Shami provided an early breakthrough by dismissing Australian opener Mitchell Marsh for just four runs on the fourth ball of the opening over.

The right-arm pacer picked up the wicket of Steve Smith in his second spell. He dismissed Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Short, and Sean Abbott in the death overs to complete his five-wicket haul. He was named Player of the Match for his bowling performance of 5/51.

Mohammed Shami Surpasses Ajit Agarkar’s Wickets

Mohammed Shami surpassed Ajit Agarkar’s tally of wickets, becoming the second-highest wicket-taker for India against Australia in the 50-over format. Shami has picked up 37 wickets in 23 matches, while Agarkar bagged 36 wickets in 21 ODI matches against Aussies.

Legendary all-rounder Kapil Dev tops the chart with 45 wickets in 41 matches. Javagal Srinath and Harbhajan Singh are in the fourth and fifth places on the chart, respectively. Srinath grabbed 33 scalps in 29 matches, while Harbhajan picked up 32 wickets in 35 games.

Most Wickets By Indian Bowlers In ODIs Against Australia

• Kapil Dev – 45 wickets in 41 matches
• Mohammed Shami -37 wickets in 23 matches
• Ajit Agarkar -36 wickets in 21 matches
• Javagal Srinath – 33 wickets in 29 matches
• Harbhajan Singh – 32 wickets in 35 matches

Part And Parcel Of The Game – Mohammed Shami

Mohammed Shami opened up about not being a regular member of India’s playing XI, stating that he isn’t worried about selections and that the team comes first.

“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,” Shami said.

Also read: Mohammed Shami Reveals His Favorite Dismissal After Match-winning Spell In IND vs AUS 1st ODI