Mohammed Shami was the pick of the bowlers for India on day 5 in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship Final played at Southampton, England. Shami dismissed Ross Taylor, BJ Watling, Colin De Grandhomme, and Kyle Jamieson and helped India to restrict New Zealand to a 32-run lead.
While addressing the media in the post-day press conference, the Indian pacer said that he doesn’t regret missing out on five-wicket hauls.
I never regret missing out on five-wicket hauls or other such achievements. Such thoughts don’t cross my minds. I love playing for my country and that is it.”
When asked about India’s strategy in the fourth innings of the match, Mohammed Shami stated India needs to put enough runs on the board and then plan a strategy to execute against the New Zealand team.
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
I can’t say how much we can dismiss them (New Zealand) for in the fourth innings of the test. We need time and a plan, which we will obviously work out. We will need runs on the board and backup.
Happy to contribute to India’s cause: Mohammed Shami
The Indian pacer was happy that was able to contribute to India’s cause in an important Test match, such as the finals of the first-ever World Test Championship. He added:
Whenever the team has needed me, I have given my 100 percent. I always try to attack, go for the wickets. Once the captain guides me on where to bowl, I focus on doing that, trying to maintain the kind of line and length expected from me.”
Match hangs in balance
New Zealand began day 5 on a commanding position of 101/2, before getting bowled out for 249 and managing a 32 run lead. For India, Mohammed Shami picked up a four-wicket haul, while Ishant Sharma bagged 3 wickets.
In response, India are 64/2 at the end of the fifth day’s play. Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara will resume India’s batting on the reserve of the finals.
