The Bengal speedster –Mohammed Shami, who is the key member of Indian Cricket Team in their upcoming South Africa tour, especially in the Test series, which Indians have never won there, is looking forward to playing fearless cricket and give his hundred percent on the field against the Proteas.
The seam bowler, who bowls consistently around the 140kmph mark and has taken 95 wickets, is going to face some quality batsman likes of AB de Villiers in South Africa, and it will be interesting to see how he bowls to the star batsman. Although, Shami is not thinking too much about it, saying they have their plans against the hosts for the upcoming Test series.
He told Xtratime, “Yes they will definitely try to take the revenge of their loss on our home soil, but we don’t fear them as our plan is ready too. We will discuss this matter during our next team meeting.”
It is known that Virat Kohli-led Team India left for South Africa on Wednesday night, and a war of words between the players from both the side has already begun, as South African star pacer Dale Steyn, who is returning to the international arena almost after a year, made a comment, which was seemingly intended to intimidate the Indian camp.
Steyn had stated, “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.”
Now, Shami rebuked the comments, saying they are not going to fear anyone and they are just eyeing to give their 100 percent on the field. He further added, “Not only Steyn, anybody can say anything or write anything, but we are only eyeing to give our 100 percent and I just want to clear that the team don’t fear anybody and we are ready for the counter punch. We have played fearless cricket in the last couple of years’ time and we will do the same in our upcoming tour too.”
On being asked about the chances of winning in South Africa, Shami replied, “We all are hoping for the best as our moral is very high ahead of the tour. The team has played really well at home in the last couple of years and if we can perform to our potential, history will definitely be made.”
He also refused to reveal the strategy in front of media when asked about Team's plan against South Africa. Shami concluded by saying, “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.”
