Following his exceptional performance in India’s five-wicket victory over Australia, where he secured his second five-wicket haul in ODIs, veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami expressed strong support for the team’s rotation policy leading up to the Men’s ODI World Cup. He emphasized the policy’s significance in providing valuable game-time to players who may be struggling with their form.
On a challenging PCA Stadium pitch, Shami made an impact by dismissing Mitchell Marsh early in the match. He later returned to claim the wickets of Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Short, and Sean Abbott, finishing with impressive figures of 5-51. His efforts played a pivotal role in restricting Australia to a total of 276 runs.
Shami highlighted the importance of player rotation, stating, “When building a team, the coach plays a crucial role in rotating players based on the situation. We have witnessed positive outcomes due to this rotation policy, and I believe that leading up to the World Cup, it’s essential not to burden players with back-to-back games. So far, it’s been successful, and we are achieving good results.”
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He also emphasized the benefits of rotation for bowlers, especially in preparing for ICC tournaments. “Rotation is particularly important for bowlers, especially those who may be out of rhythm, as it provides them with much-needed game-time,” Shami explained during the post-match press conference.
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Shami’s impressive performance marked the second consecutive instance of an Indian pacer claiming a five-wicket haul, with Mohammed Siraj achieving this feat in the Asia Cup final in Colombo. With Shami stepping in for the rested Siraj, India secured a 1-0 lead in the three-match series against Australia.
Addressing the challenge of bowling in extreme heat, Shami mentioned that it did not pose a significant issue for him. He stated, “We don’t discuss the heat factor much in terms of tactics. It depends on the game situation and the opposition’s batting. Heat is a factor, but when you’ve been playing international cricket for a long time, it can’t be an excuse.”
Shami credited the support he received from pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, emphasizing the importance of partnership bowling. “Partnership bowling is crucial. If I take wickets, Bumrah will contain runs at the other end. This kind of teamwork is vital,” he added.
Shami concluded by discussing his decision to skip the West Indies tour, which allowed him to refresh and recharge after a hectic period of continuous cricket. “I felt the need for a break after playing cricket continuously for seven to eight months. Resting during the West Indies tour was a decision made after discussions with the captain and coach. During the break, I continued my training and conditioning at home, ensuring that my rhythm remained intact,” he explained.
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