Mohammed Shami has once again courted controversy. This time around for bowling more than his stipulated quota of 15-17 overs per innings in Bengal’s Group B Ranji Trophy fixture against Kerala at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday. The Australia-bound pacer, who is an integral part of the Indian Test team, was asked by the BCCI to play the ongoing Ranji Trophy match against Kerala on the condition that he would bowl not more than 15-17 overs per innings.
But on Wednesday, he rolled his arms for as many as 26 overs in the first innings.
“When you are playing a match for your state, the important thing is to fulfil your responsibility,” said Shami, returning with 26-3-100-3 at the end of Day Two.
“I was also feeling well and had no discomfort. The wicket was also doing well so I continued as long as I could… I decided on my own,” added Shami, who is India’s highest wicket-taker in Tests this year.
Bengal coach Sairaj Bahutule also played down the issue. “He was absolutely willing to bowl so he continued. Nobody put pressure on him,” Bahutule said.
