Why Mohammed Shami is important for Team India in Tests for 2024-25 season? The role of Mohammed Shami in India's Test set-up.
India pacer Mohammed Shami has shown significant improvement in his recovery from the ankle injury, which has kept him off the field since the ODI World Cup in November, 2023. With the start of a long season of Test cricket for team India, with a series against Bangladesh in September, there is optimism that Shami could be ready to rejoin the team.
The selectors have been kept informed about Shami's rehabilitation progress. A crucial decision will be made soon regarding whether he should participate in at least one of the Duleep Trophy matches, which commence on September 5 in Anantapur, as a means to demonstrate his fitness.
Currently, Shami is in the final stages of his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. He bowled last month for the first time since his surgery and has been gradually increasing his bowling workload as he remains free from pain.
Before India’s tour of Sri Lanka in July, chief selector Ajit Agarkar had confirmed that Shami had "started to bowl" and that the first Test against Bangladesh, scheduled to start on September 19 in Chennai, was always the target for his return.
Why is Mohammed Shami indispensable ahead of long Test season?
Mohammed Shami has been a vital cog in India's Test cricket machinery, and his importance cannot be overstated. With his ability to swing the ball both ways and his pace, he has been a thorn in the side of opposition batters. Shami's impressive stats and recent performances make a strong case for his indispensability in India’s Test team.
Statistics speak louder for Shami
Shami, the India pacer renowned for his relentless pace and precision, has etched his name in the annals of Test cricket with an impressive career. In just 64 Test matches, Shami has accumulated 229 wickets, showcasing his ability to consistently break through the opposition's defences. His bowling average of 27.74 highlights his effectiveness in all conditions, making him a key asset for India’s team.
Shami's career includes 14 four-wicket hauls, 6 five-wicket hauls, and two ten-wicket hauls, demonstrating his knack for delivering match-changing spells. At the same time, his best bowling figures of 6/56 which came against a strong Australia side, shows that he can dismantle even the most resilient batting line-ups. The right-arm pacer has maintained an economy rate of 3.03, reflecting his ability to control the game while remaining aggressive.
There have been many instances where Shami has proven his worth as a top-quality pacer in the team, especially in Test cricket. In the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Shami took 21 wickets in 4 Tests at an average of 22.19, including a match-winning spell of 6/56 in the 2nd Test. His performance helped India win the series 2-1. In the 2021 Test series against England, Shami took 15 wickets in 4 Tests at an average of 25.13, helping India win the series 3-1. In the 2020 Test series against New Zealand, Shami took 13 wickets in 2 Tests at an average of 17.69, including a 5-wicket haul in the 2nd Test.
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Why is Shami important for India?
Mohammed Shami has firmly established himself as one of the premier fast bowlers in international cricket. His ability to take wickets across various surfaces, including the flat pitches of India which do not support pacers much, is a proven example of his skill and adaptability.
Skills and Experience
Shami’s pace and swing are key components of his effectiveness. His ability to generate significant movement off the seam, combined with his sheer pace, often troubles even the most accomplished batters. This combination of pace and swing is particularly lethal in overcast conditions, where Shami has frequently exploited the favourable conditions to great effect.
With over 60 Tests to his name, Shami brings a wealth of experience to India’s bowling attack. His seasoned presence is invaluable, especially for younger bowlers like Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, and Shardul Thakur, who can benefit from his guidance and insights. Shami's experience is not just about his performance. It also involves mentoring and supporting the next generation of India fast bowlers.
Adaptability and team synergy
Shami’s ability to partner effectively with other bowlers enhances the team’s overall performance. His partnership, especially with Jasprit Bumrah, has formed a potent bowling duo that has caused significant problems for opposing teams. This synergy has been instrumental in India's success in the field.
Adaptability is another of Shami’s strengths. He has demonstrated the capability to adjust his game according to different conditions and opposition teams, excelling from the swing-friendly conditions in Australia to the spin-friendly tracks in India.
Leadership qualities
Moreover, Shami has shown commendable leadership qualities. In the absence of key players like Bumrah, Shami has stepped up to lead the bowling attack. His leadership skills have been vital in guiding and supporting younger bowlers, ensuring that the team remains competitive and cohesive.
Shami’s remarkable ability to take wickets, combined with his pace, swing, experience, adaptability, and leadership, makes him an indispensable asset to India’s cricket team. His contributions continue to be pivotal in India’s pursuit of success in Test cricket.
With a long Test season waiting for India, including the vital Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Shami will be a vital component of India's Test cricket team. His wicket-taking ability, pace, swing, experience, partnership with other bowlers, adaptability, fitness, and leadership make him indispensable. As India look to dominate Test cricket, Shami's role will be crucial. He is a match-winner, and his presence in the team makes India a formidable opponent.
The Indian team management and selectors should ensure that Shami is properly rested and managed, to avoid injuries and keep him fresh for important Test matches. Shami's importance cannot be overstated, and India need him to achieve their goal of becoming the number one Test team in the world.
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