India fast bowler Mohammed Shami admitted that it was frustrating to beat the bat repeatedly, and still not get adequate wickets after returning 2/110 in England’s second innings.
Shami’s figures of 0/72 and 2/110 in the two England innings in The Oval Test do little justice to just how well he bowled. The bowler beat the bat with great frequency but simply couldn’t find the edges.
“It depends on luck sometimes,” Shami said ruefully. “As a bowler, your main target is to hit good areas consistently, especially with the new ball. Whether that yields wickets depends on luck, but it is certainly a bit frustrating… the ball beat the bat several times, but it’s fine, I’ve to accept the wickets I got.
“It is difficult when you’re one bowler short, and in these conditions you’ll have to bowl since it is fast-bowler friendly. Yes, the load increases but it’s nothing so serious. It happens, bowlers feel discomfort and as a means of preventing injury, you leave the field. We have a great understanding in the bowling group in that regard.”
“I’ve learnt a lot. When we had come here in 2014, we didn’t even have that much experience and we weren’t mature (as bowlers). This time, we watched a lot of videos of Jimmy Anderson and (Stuart) Broad to see where they pitched the ball, especially in English conditions. As compared to last time, we did better this time,” he said.
