The feedback that comes in from the ICC away from their restriction on ball shining using saliva is concerning; Shami says the seamers have lost their reverse swing abilities by this restriction. Reverse-shining an old ball has always been done with the help of saliva.
Reverse swing is already a non-existent factor in ODIs, given the two new balls from either end. “We are trying to reverse, but you are not getting the use of saliva into the game. We only keep on appealing to allow it, and with reverse swing, it will be something interesting,” Shami mentioned while addressing the media right after the completion of the Champions Trophy semifinal against Australia in Dubai. Shami starred once again in an ICC event game for India after coming up with figures of 3/48 in 10 overs.
Shami was a tad bit overwhelmed in his responsibility to run as the lone fast bowler for India after coming back from a long injury layoff, and he said the aim was for him to return to rhythm to suit the side’s requirements for the ICC tournament.
Throughout the Champions Trophy in Dubai, Shami shared the new ball duties with either Harshit Rana or Hardik Pandya due to the injury-forced absence of ace India pacer Jasprit Bumrah. Rana is still learning the ropes, while Pandya is an all-rounder and bowling 10 overs in an ODI isn’t his territory. Shami has till now picked eight wickets in the Champions Trophy.
While Rana is still learning the ropes, Pandya is an all-rounder and, in an ODI, is not required to bowl 10 overs. Shami has till now picked eight wickets in the Champions Trophy.
“I am working towards getting back my rhythm and, hopefully, contribute more to the team,” he said. “There is this responsibility that arises when there aren’t two proper pacers, and this burden must all be on me now.”The star India pacer added that his workload is heavier without Bumrah operating at the other end but is looking to go all out in the role.”It is there in your load when you are the one main pacer and the other is an all-rounder, as in you have to pick wickets and lead from the front,” Shami said.
