How did Shami fare on his return to competitive cricket?
After being snubbed from the Asia Cup squad, Mohammed Shami was back in action in the Duleep Trophy, a domestic first-class tournament in India. The fast bowler ended Day 1 of the tournament with respectable figures of 1/55 from his 17 overs. He didn’t have the most ideal start to his comeback, going wicketless for the majority of his spell. However, he managed to pick up the wicket of all-rounder Sahil Lotra towards the end of the day’s play, giving him something to smile about.
Shami’s return to competitive cricket was highly anticipated, given his recent form and performance in the IPL. His exclusion from the Asia Cup squad raised eyebrows, with many experts and fans questioning the decision. As a result, his comeback in the Duleep Trophy was seen as an opportunity for him to redeem himself and prove a point.
The first day of the tournament saw Shami bowling for the India Blue team against India Red. He began his spell well, conceding just 18 runs in his first 10 overs. However, he went wicketless, which could have been a concern for him and his team. His economy rate was respectable, but he was yet to pick up a wicket, which is crucial for a fast bowler.
As the day wore on, Shami continued to toil away, trying to get that elusive wicket. He was bowling with good pace and accuracy, but the Indian Red batsmen were doing a good job of keeping him at bay. It seemed as though Shami was heading for a wicketless spell, but he managed to pick up the wicket of Sahil Lotra in the final over of the day.
Lotra, who was playing his first-class debut, was looking to up the ante and take the attack to Shami. However, the experienced fast bowler had other plans. He bowled a well-directed short ball, which Lotra tried to pull but ended up getting a top-edge. The ball went high up in the air, and Shami was quick to react, taking the catch and giving his team a much-needed breakthrough.
Shami’s wicket was a crucial one, as it gave India Blue a foothold in the match. He finished the day with figures of 1/55 from his 17 overs, which was a decent return. While he didn’t have the most eventful day, he showed glimpses of his old self, bowling with good pace and accuracy.
Shami’s comeback in the Duleep Trophy was a significant one, given his recent form and the controversy surrounding his exclusion from the Asia Cup squad. His performance on Day 1 of the tournament was a positive sign, showing that he is still a force to be reckoned with in Indian cricket.
As the tournament progresses, Shami will be looking to build on his performance and make a strong case for himself to be included in the Indian team for the upcoming series. He has always been a vital member of the Indian pace attack, and his comeback in the Duleep Trophy is a significant step towards regaining his place in the team.
In conclusion, Shami’s return to competitive cricket was a positive one, despite not having the most ideal start to his comeback. He picked up a crucial wicket, showed glimpses of his old self, and will be looking to build on his performance as the tournament progresses. With his experience and skill, Shami is likely to be a key player for India Blue in the Duleep Trophy, and his performance will be closely watched by fans and experts alike.
