Mohammed Shami, while speaking to Cricbuzz, revealed that that the special camaraderie is the reason behind the pacers’ recent success. Mohammed Shami added that every one of the pacers enjoys each other’s success.
After a long phase of subdued pace bowling– when selectors were seeking raw pace–Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah came to the side’s rescue.
Mohammed Shami: Indian Pacers Enjoy Each Other’s Success A Lot
Team India’s fast bowlers, over the last few years, have risen rapidly to the top to earn the reputation of being one of the world’s most lethal pace attacks. This bowling unit comprising of the likes of Mohammed Shami and Ishant Sharma breathed new life into the bowling department and from there on, the country has gone on to produce more quality speedsters.
“Our fast bowling unit is a great package where everyone works really hard while also understanding the other counterparts really well. The bonding and the fun you saw that day was because we enjoy each other’s success a lot. We are happy when the other one is happy,” said Shami.
(This test match is the first Day / Night Test match that India have taken part in)
Photo by Deepak Malik / Sportzpics for BCCI
The 30-year-old also stated that the special camaraderie brings unity on the field because the ultimate aim, for anyone featuring in the XI, is to do well for the country. Hence, when the chips are down, they lift each other’s spirits up in unison.
“Even if someone’s down and out, we make sure that we lift his spirits. We try to make them forget all the stresses and try to lighten the mood. I think all bonds should be like that because to play for your country is indeed a matter of pride. but this unit that we have built since 2013-14, you’ll find that the guys enjoy each other’s success a lot,” added Shami.
Earlier in the previous decade, the onus was on the trio of Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, and Umesh Yadav before Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s arrival. In Australia, however, Mohammed Siraj led the Indian pace attack which included Navdeep Saini, Shardul Thakur, and debutant T Natarajan in absence of Test regular pacers who were injured and ruled out in various stages of the Test series.
Mohammed Shami Credits Unbelievable Healthy Atmosphere
However, over the last 3 years, it’s all been the trio’s performances in Tests. The trio has bagged 149 wickets in the 11 matches they have played together. Mohammed Shami credits the success to the atmosphere and the harmony within the team.
He said: “We’ve curated such a healthy atmosphere within the last 5-6 years that you’ll find it hard to believe.”
Ishant Sharma has already taken 36 wickets in 11 tests for India in the world test championship with an excellent average of 17.36. Mohammed Shami is one of the best exponents of reverse swing bowling and has taken 36 wickets in 10 tests for India in the world test championship at an average of 19.77. Jasprit Bumrah has taken 34 wickets in 9 tests in the world test championship cycle.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar hasn’t played any form of competitive red-ball cricket in the last three years, a period where India’s fast-bowling stocks have gone through the roof. So, this does seem like the end of his Test career. He took 63 scalps in 21 Tests averaging 26.1.