India vs England: Ball has not done much, we bowled in the right length - Mohammed Shami

Tags: India tour of England, 2021, England vs India, 1st Test at Nottingham, Aug 04-08, 2021, India, England, Mohammed Shami Ahmed

Published on: Aug 05, 2021

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Veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami has stated that the ball did not do a lot on the first day of the Trent Bridge Test. He asserted that India bowled in the right areas, which is why they were rewarded with wickets. Having lost the toss, India bowled England out for 183 on Day 1 of the first Test. Jasprit Bumrah starred with four wickets while Shami claimed three. Shardul Thakur, who was a surprise selection also chipped in with a couple, including the big one of Joe Root.

Speaking at the end of the day’s play, Shami admitted that India were pleased to bowl England out for 183. He said, "Obviously because 183… as per me we should make a good score and take the lead. We are in a good position, because any team you bowl out for 183 at its home is a good performance,” Shami said at the post-day press conference, when asked whether the visitors had an upper hand.

"Now the thing is that we need to focus on the first hour and according to me the ball has not done much, the way we bowled in the day, we bowled in the right length and accordingly you have got wickets. I think, we need to focus and (it) doesn’t matter whether it is 183 or 283, you need to focus a bit and need to add runs,” the right-arm speedster added.

Shami added that he wasn’t surprised to see the ball reverse early. Responding to a query, he said, "No, I wasn't surprised (with how quickly the ball started to reverse). You maintain the ball, you keep on shining the ball and you keep on working on the ball. As a bowler, there is nothing surprising but as a bowler, if you want the ball to reverse, then you have to keep on working on the ball.”

The pacer admitted that the batters will need to take forward the good work and that the first hour on Day 2 will be very crucial. The pacer explained, “Our first innings, the bowling part is over. Our batting part is left. I will say only one thing, you need to play the first hour with caution, because you should not lose your focus, be in control, so the first thing is to achieve this score and then think about the lead. The main focus will be to score 183 and after that whatever comes.”

After bowling England out, India went to stumps at 21/0 with both Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul unbeaten on 9 each

--By A Cricket Correspondent

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