Right arm fast bowler Mohammed Shami will be an integral member of the Indian squad for the upcoming Test series against South Africa. He has been one of the spearheads of the Indian bowling attack ever since his debut and will have a point to prove in the fast bouncy South African wickets.
Team India is on their tour of South Africa, starting from January 5, 2018, with the commencement of the first Test. After the three-match Test series, India will also play six ODIs, and three T20Is as well.
Meanwhile, a war of words between the players from both the side has begun and South Africa pace spearhead Dale Steyn, who is returning to the international cricket almost after a year, made a statement that was seemingly intended to intimidate the Indian camp.
“The batsmen will know that it’s (pace of 150kmph) there, and I’m able to take their feet away, hit them in the head, whatever. The rest of the time I’ve always relied on skill: relentless line and length, trying to knock guys over and just being smart,” Steyn said.
In the reply to Steyn’s statements, during an interview to xtratime.in, Shami said, “Not only Steyn, anybody can say anything or write anything. We are only eyeing to give our 100 percent and I just want to (make it) clear that the team doesn’t fear anybody and we are ready for the counter-punch. We have played fearless cricket in the last couple of years and we will do the same on our coming tour too.”
The upcoming tours will test the skill and temperament of Indian bowlers, especially fast bowlers, who often get carried away seeing juice in wickets outside the subcontinent.
Talking about his strategy, the Bengal pacer said, “I don’t tell anything regarding this matter (strategy) in front of the media. I just want to say we must avoid short (pitch) bowling against them, as they always play on bouncy wickets from the very first day of their career. They are very good players of the square-cut, pull and hook shot. (But) This time we have some different plans for them.”
