Team India fast bowler Mohammed Shami is eyeing a personal goal as they embark on the tour of the UK for the ICC World Test Championship final followed by five-match Test series against England. Virat Kohli & Co will play New Zealand in the pinnacle clash starting from June 18 in Southampton followed by the bilateral series against the home side.
Shami, who is returning to international after a long injury lay-off will be desperate to deliver the goods as India look to lift the first-ever World Test Championship title. 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.
Will be eyeing 200 Test wickets milestone – Mohammed Shami
Ahead of the title clash, Mohammed Shami, believes 6 Tests in England certainly give him a good chance to at least get to 200 wickets. The 30-year-old is just 20 wickets away from becoming the 5th India fast bowler to get 200 Test wickets.
“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.
Mohammed 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.
The fast bowler recently returned to action during IPL 2021 plying his trade for Punjab Kings. He picked up 8 wickets and was looking to hit peak form before the tournament was postponed indefinitely on May 4. Mohammed Shami along with his India teammates will quarantine in Mumbai for a 2-week period before leaving for the UK in the first week of June.