Although the majority of Indian batsmen failed miserably in the five-Test series against England, bowlers’ showing was one silver lining for the No.1 ranked Test team.
After Indian bowlers claimed 60 wickets in three Tests against South Africa earlier this year, they picked up 20 wickets in three of the five Tests in England. Out of the 82 wickets taken by Indian bowlers in England, the pacers had shared 61 scalps with Ishant Sharma, Mohammad Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya and Umesh Yadav claiming 18, 16, 14, 10 and 3 wickets respectively.
As the much-anticipated India’s tour of Australia is fast approaching, speedster Mohammad Shami has said that they are gearing up for the series Down Under by watching videos of their opponents in order to get the line and length correct.
"As a fast bowling unit, we did well in England. We are preparing for the Australia series and watching a lot of videos. The plan is to focus on the series as much as possible as the opponents are very strong. We will work on getting the line and length right," Shami quoted as saying by PTI.
"We will always try to do our best. Winning or losing also depends on luck. We will give our 100 per cent," he added.
India’s tour of Australia will kick-start with a T20I affair in Brisbane on November 21. Subsequently, Virat Kohli and company will four Test matches against Australia with the first five-day contest commencing in Adelaide on December 6.
As per the media reports, tainted Australia batsmen Steve Smith and David Warner might be considered for selection in the upcoming series.
"If those two don't play, they will obviously be weakened. But in the end, you have to stick to your plan and work on your strengths," Shami asserted.
When asked if he's looking ahead to the World Cup next year, Shami said: "It depends on who is fit and who is not during that time. My performance will be evaluated and and I will expect to get a chance if I do well.
“If I don't, I have to accept that too. That's too far away. We always think about the next series and that is more important for us," he concluded.
(With PTI inputs)
