Indian pacer, Mohammed Shami has always been surrounded injuries in his career and because of the same, he kept out of cricket for almost a year following the 2015 World Cup. But he is back now and bowled brilliantly in the last Test he played at Delhi in the recently concluded series against Sri Lanka.
However, a grueling tour is waiting for Shami in South Africa where India will need him at the top of his form in a three-Test series, followed by limited-overs internationals. The Indian cricket team under captain Virat Kohli has enjoyed unparalleled success, which should give them the confidence to do well out of the subcontinent as well. And Shami promises that India will be “fearless” in that pursuit to start 2018 on a bright note.
Ahead of the big series, South Africa’s premier fast bowler, Dale Steyn made a statement that was seemingly intended to intimidate the Indian camp. He said, “The batsmen will know that it’s (pace of 150kmph) there, and I’m able to take their feet away, hit them in the head, whatever. The rest of the time I’ve always relied on skill: relentless line and length, trying to knock guys over and just being smart.”
In the reply to Steyn’s statements, during an interview to xtratime.in, Shami said, “Not only Steyn, anybody can say anything or write anything. We are only eyeing to give our 100 percent and I just want to (make it) clear that the team doesn’t fear anybody and we are ready for the counter-punch. We have played fearless cricket in the last couple of years and we will do the same on our coming tour too.”
The upcoming tours will test the skill and temperament of Indian bowlers, especially fast bowlers, who often get carried away seeing juice in wickets outside the subcontinent. Talking about his strategy, the Bengal pacer said, “I don’t tell anything regarding this matter (strategy) in front of the media. I just want to say we must avoid short (pitch) bowling against them, as they always play on bouncy wickets from the very first day of their career. They are very good players of the square-cut, pull and hook shot. (But) This time we have some different plans for them.”
