Indian fast bowler Mohammad Shami recalls the times he enjoyed playing at Southampton. At the start of play on Day 5 of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final, New Zealand were well on top. Having bundled India out for a paltry 217, the Kiwis were sitting on 101/2, with their most experienced batsmen Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor at the crease.
India needed wickets thick and fast in order to not allow New Zealand to get away with a huge lead. Mohammad Shami, who bowled brilliantly on Day 3 but was unlucky not to pick a wicket, turned the heat up on Day 5. He brought his A-game to the fore, dismissing Taylor early to resurrect India’s hopes.
After Henry Nicholls nicked off of Ishant Sharma at the other end, Shami produced a delivery that was perhaps the ball of the WTC Final. He castled soon-to-retire BJ Watling with an away seamer that brought out a huge roar from the Indian fans at Southampton.
Two wickets in 2 overs. This time it's Shami who cleans up Watling. NZ 135/5 #WTCFinal pic.twitter.com/St8QNaF4Hk
— DD Sports – National Games 2022 🇮🇳 (@ddsportschannel) June 22, 2021
Delighted to deliver for Team India – Mohammed Shami
After the brilliant performance at the Ageas Bowl, Shami recollected fond memories of Southampton from a couple of years ago. In the 2019 ODI World Cup that was held in England, Shami had picked up a four-wicket haul that included a stunning hat-trick against Afghanistan at Southampton.
He took to his official Twitter handle to tweet:
“Southampton has brought happy memories for me both in white and red ball. The 2019 World Cup hat-trick remains a favorite but delighted to deliver for #TeamIndia on Day 5 when we needed the most. The bowling group put in a lot of efforts.”
Southampton has brought happy memories for me both in white and red ball. The 2019 World Cup hat-trick remains a favorite but delighted to deliver for #TeamIndia on Day 5 when we needed the most. The bowling group put in a lot of efforts. 🙌🏾 #WTC21 #mshami11 pic.twitter.com/T0zZvp8Yws
— Mohammad Shami (@MdShami11) June 23, 2021
Eventually, New Zealand were knocked over for 249, with Mohammed Shami picking up a four-wicket haul. Although India lost two wickets in the final session, they lead by 32 runs with the Test still evenly poised for an exciting finish on Day 6.
