Winning the World Test Championship final and the 5-Test series in England is the ultimate goal but pacer Mohammed Shami is eyeing a major personal landmark as he prepares for the long England tour. Shami is just 20 wickets away from becoming the 5th India fast bowler to get 200 Test wickets.
Mohammed Shami, 30, believes 6 Tests in England certainly gives him a good chance to at least get to 200 wickets. Shami is an integral member of the much-improved Indian pace attack. India have picked as many as 6 fast bowlers in the 20-man squad named for the World Test Championship final and the England series. The right-handed bowler is likely to partner Ishant Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah if India opt for a 3-man pace attack in the WTC final.
“I haven’t targeted something like this but yes, I won’t give up on it on this tour because we will be playing 6 Tests over there. I should at least cross that milestone (of 200 Test wickets) on this tour because the conditions are good for bowling, I just need to use my skills well. I will be trying my best to cross the 200-wickets mark,” Shami told Sports Tak.
Shami has played 8 Tests in England and has managed only 21 wickets at an average of over 47.04. However, having toured England for Tests twice in the past, the experienced India pacer is hopeful of an improved outing in the Old Blighty.
After having worked extensively on his rehab at the National Cricket Academy, Shami returned to competitive action at Indian Premier League 2021 which was suspended mid-way due to Covid-19 crisis. He picked up 8 wickets and was looking to hit peak form before the tournament was postponed indefinitely on May 4.
“I don’t put too much pressure on myself when I get injured or when I’m not able to play because of some reason. Injuries are a part and parcel of the sport, you cannot run away from it. You have to be mentally strong,” Shami said.
“You should always look to move forward with your current form and rhythm. Before IPL 2021, I was at the NCA for 1.5 months where I bowled by heart out. Then I got good confidence from the IPL, settled into a good rhythm.
