Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden believes the addition of Mohammed Shami has strengthened Team India’s fast bowling attack in the ongoing 2023 World Cup.
Hayden pointed out that the opposition teams have visibly struggled to get going against India since Shami’s return. To pinpoint the reason behind the veteran campaigner’s huge success, this is what Hayden told (2:43) ESPNcricinfo:
“Since Mohammed Shami has returned to this team, there have been nothing but tears for the opposition batsmen. He has played his way through simple bowling. There is no mystery, there is no jumbled seam, there is only presentation from a seam. a nice wrist and the ability to get into the stumps.”
“When he doesn’t do that, he can shape the ball and move the ball in both directions. It’s perfection. We often talk about hitting in this World Cup, but Mohammed Shami with the ball was just fantastic.” he added.
Mohammed Shami rioted during the 2023 World Cup match against Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday. He picked up his second five-wicket haul in the ongoing showpiece event and helped India bowl out the opposition for just 55 runs to complete a 302-run win.
“He has had knee problems, which he is dealing with” – Anil Kumble on Mohammed Shami’s fitness
During the same conversation, former India head coach Anil Kumble spoke about how Mohammed Shami suffered a knee injury in the past, which has had a major impact on his overall fitness.
He suggested that the senior bowler has shown tremendous improvements in recent years as he has understood how to manage his workload.
Kumble added (25:49):
“He’s had knee problems, which he’s dealing with. But over the last five to six years he’s definitely built up his fitness. He knows how to handle his workload. Even at the nets, I’ve never seen him walk in.” and just plain ginger bowling. He doesn’t run much because of his knees. He does complete the 2 km time trial. He does it, but he doesn’t like it. “
Kumble further said that Shami is an intelligent bowler and also brings valuable insights during team meetings. He explained (26:50):
“He’s got a mind of his own. It’s great to listen to him in team meetings. His views on how he would approach those 20 overs; I’ve only managed him in the T20s recently. Shami has improved in his fitness and understanding of his own body.”
Mohammed Shami has collected 14 wickets from just three matches in the 2023 World Cup. He is now India’s leading wicket-taker in World Cups, with 45 wickets from 14 appearances.
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