(Image source: X.com/@BCCI)
[Saba Sports News] India pacer Mohammad Shami shattered Australia’s hopes of taking the lead in the series-opener by producing a five-wicket haul spell.
After India won the toss and elected to bowl first, Shami, with the new ball, sent Mitchell Marsh back to the pavilion. In his second spell, he looked even more lethal as he dismissed Steve Smith, who seemed solid during his stay. Furthermore, Shami dismissed Marcus Stoinis, Sean Abbott, and Matthew Short as India restricted Australia to an average total of 276, and then chased down the target with 5 wickets remaining.
Shami clinched his second ODI fifer. The 33-year-old pacer ended up with bowling figures of 10-1-51-5.
Player of the Match Shami opened up in the post-match presentation and talked about the team combination. Shami opined that the possibility of playing every match is very slim, and there’s no point in getting frustrated about it.
The Indian team management has been preferring to keep Shardul Thakur in the playing XI over Shami in ODI cricket, which can be a point of contention among critics as the latter is very effective with the new ball. Thakur adds a batting depth, and that’s the reason why he gets the nod over of Shami.
“This is a part and parcel of the game. It’s important to understand the team’s needs. It isn’t possible that you’ll always be part of the playing XI and team combinations. When we play regularly, someone or the other will have to sit out. There is no point being frustrated about it. Obviously, it’s good if you’re in the XI but it’s also crucial to be understanding when on the bench. That role is also very important,” Shami said.
Furthermore, Shami acknowledged the team management’s step of rotating the players effortlessly and smoothly ahead of the ODI World Cup 2023.
“The idea from the team management is to rotate according to the conditions and the situation, or depending on the opposition. They know how to handle it and if you see, the recent results have been quite good. The rotation is going smoothly and before the World Cup, I don’t think anyone should be burdened a lot,” he added.
Shami has been named in the 15-member squad of India for the upcoming World Cup. Overall, he has played 93 ODIs, claiming 170 wickets with an average of 25.42 and an economy rate of 5.56.