The veteran Indian pacer, Mohammed Shami is considering the forced break due to the COVID-19 as a double-edged sword. On one hand, the break is giving his body enough time to “recover” and get stronger, on the other hand, he has a fear the extended break will be lead to break his bowling rhythm.
During an exclusive chat with PTI, Shami explained, “There are two ways to look at it. The Indian team always has a packed schedule and it was a good break which allowed a tired body to heal. While on one side, you gain physically, become fitter, and stronger with a lot of training but not playing the sport means that at the same time the rhythm is not there. So there are pros and cons and its about managing your body.”
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As and when the BCCI starts a camp, Shami reckons that he has managed to be at his optimum fitness.
As per the quotes in NDTV, the fiery pacer explained, “Obviously I will have an advantage as I have been training quite regularly. I have been in good rhythm, and luckily. This is a phase when you always know that you are there and it’s a matter of time to get that rhythm back. It bolsters your confidence.”
While he has started bowling full tilt at the nets with his brother facing him, Shami said he still can’t gauge how an old red ball will behave as the use of saliva is banned. It has got a lot to do with the condition of the leather, he continued.
Mohammed Shami explained, “The old ball that you suddenly bring out for practice will have a softer feel of the leather and that creates a difference. So, if you are looking at answers, you will only get it in match simulation. So my next target during training is to start with a new ball and try to maintain it without saliva and then figure out how it behaves when it gets old.”
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However, the Indian pacer acknowledged that he doesn’t have the answer to the question of whether the ball will reverse on not without saliva.
