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 doesnโt regret missing out on five-wicket hauls.
I never regret missing out on five-wicket hauls or other such achievements. Such thoughts donโt cross my minds. I love playing for my country and that is it.โ
When asked about Indiaโs 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. ๐๐พ #WTC21 #mshami11 pic.twitter.com/T0zZvp8Yws
โ ๐ธ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ (@MdShami11) June 23, 2021
I canโt 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 Indiaโs cause: Mohammed Shami
The Indian pacer was happy that was able to contribute to Indiaโs 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.โ
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 dayโs play. Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara will resume Indiaโs batting on the reserve of the finals.