Indian pacer Mohammed Shami is the most impressive fast bowlers India have produced after Zaheer Khan. He gives a glimpse of his genius as a pacer in every match whether it is a fast or slow pitch. He can bowl effectively with both new and old ball. And he showed his prowess with the new ball on Friday against England. England were in an impression that all the problem that would be created for them will be from Indian spinners. However, that was not to be. Mohammed Shami was a man with the plan. And Captain Cook was the casualty.
England were already under pressure. India had made 455 on a rank turner and they knew it would be a difficult task to stop India’s juggernaut. But the first bloods were drawn not by Indian spinners but Mohammed Shami. Shami came in fast and bowled a quick delivery. Alastair Cook missed the line of the ball that was swinging into him. The ball went between his bat and pad on to the stump. The ball shattered the stump into two and brought in sight that is most pleasant for any fast bowler’s eyes. Cook was playing on two runs when Shami struck.
After the wicket, England batting was rattled as they lost 5 wickets. At the close of play on Day 2, they were 103 for 5 wickets.
This clean bowled was not a one-off. Shami had been performing really well for a long time for India. He has been menacingly fast for batsmen and sharp movements have confused batsmen completely. Here are top 10 wickets he has taken in Test matches.
There were many players who have broken stumps. Like Nuwan Kulasekra. He bowled a massive delivery in the base of the stumps and broke the leg stump. South Africa’s Dale Steyn had also bowled a ripper that shattered stumps. Even Lasith Malinga, who was known for toe-crushing deliveries, had broken the stumps. Relish the video.
