The ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) final between India and New Zealand has been severely affected by inclement weather, and the match officials have decided to use the reserve sixth day to make up for the lost time.
India were 64 for 2 at the close of play on Day 5, securing a meagre lead of 32 runs with skipper Virat Kohli (8*) and veteran Cheteshwar Pujara (12*) unbeaten in the middle.
Addressing the virtual press conference after stumps on Day 5, senior pacer Mohammad Shami said India would set New Zealand a target only after getting enough “back-up runs” on the reserve day.
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“We have lost a lot of time due to rain. So there is no discussion as such, on a total. We have just started our second innings and we need to put runs on the board,” Shami, who returned with the figures of 4/76 on Day 5, said.
“We have to score as many as possible and then see how much time is left to put them in and decide accordingly.
“In conditions like England, anything can happen but we simply can’t have a pre-plan in mind that we can get them out in this many overs. You need time to get 10 wickets and some solid plans in place. But first, we need to have enough back-up runs,” he added.
Reflecting on his bowling performance, Shami said the plans that he wanted to execute came off nicely.
Ross Taylor (11), BJ Watling (1), Colin de Grandhomme (13) and Kyle Jamieson (21) were his victims.
“Obviously as you play the Test match, you can’t stick to one plan for five days. You need to be flexible and set up lines as per the track. We needed to bowl those tight lines which benefits the team in order to restrict New Zealand to as less as possible. So the pressure created momentum and we got wickets in clutches.”
Shami is pleased that he has been able to perform his duty in an effective manner.
“Whenever I have been entrusted with responsibility, I have put in my whole hearted effort. Whatever be situation, I know what captain wants and then I follow his instructions. I have always been an attacking bowler who goes for wickets.”
When asked if he regrets in missing out on a five-for, Shami remarked: “When you play for India, you have no such regrets. You can’t think about personal milestones.”
(With PTI inputs)
