Mohammed Shami hopeful India will be able to play their A game in England

Indian pacer Mohammed Shami seems to have found his rhythm during IPL 2021 which came to a premature halt because of COVID outbreak in camps. The veteran pacer was forced to the sidelines ever since he got injured during the disastrous Adelaide Test in 2020. However, the IPL allowed Shami to rediscover his mojo and he’s hopeful that the Indian team can replicate their spectacular form in England.

The Indian team will leave for United Kingdom on June 2 and will be touring the country for three and a half months. India’s campaign begins with the premier World Test Championship Final Match against New Zealand in Southampton which commences on June 18. The WTC Final will be followed by a Test series against the home side starting from August 4.

While speaking to Gulf News, Shami acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 pandemic and added that ‘too much planning is of little use.’

“See, there is no point in planning too much as certain things are not in our control. Who would have thought that the pandemic would virtually destroy two years of our lives – hence I prefer to take it by each series or tournament as the case may be,” the pacer told Gulf News.

He also mentioned that if the team can reproduce their brilliant form in international cricket over the last few months in England, the visitors have a real chance to upset the hosts.

“We have played some extraordinary cricket in recent times as a unit and naturally, the confidence level is high on the eve of our departure for England.

“If we can reproduce some of the form which we did over last six months, I am confident it will be a great summer for us,” said Mohammad Shami.

Shami missed seven consecutive Tests against England and Australia after he fractured his wrist in the first Test of the Border Gavaskar Series. He knows and understands that he won’t be around the scene forever and that’s exactly the reason why Shami wants to impart his knowledge and experience to the younger generation coming up through the ranks.

“It comes automatically as after being in international cricket for so many years, I would like to share any input that the youngsters may want. I am not going to play forever, so it will be great if I can pass on something to the youngsters,” Shami said.

Shami maintained that he doesn’t over-think about his own bowling.

“I do not believe in over-thinking about what my approach will be. I found my rhythm back in the IPL and the rest, of course, depends on the conditions.