Ace Indian pacer Mohammad Shami says that if India emerges victorious in England he will dedicate the win to the frontline workers and doctors who have served selflessly in India’s battle against Covid-19 in recent times.
Team India is all set to cross swords against New Zealand in the final of the inaugural edition of the ICC World Test Championship, to be played at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton from June 18.
The Virat Kohli led-side then will take on hosts England in the five-match Test series, starting 4th August. The Indian team will fly to the UK on 2nd June and will undergo a period of managed isolation on their arrival at Southampton before they can start their training.
Ahead of their departure, Team India pacer Mohammad Shami spoke about the upcoming challenge in English conditions.
In an interaction with India News, ace Indian pacer Mohammad Shami said that both the batsmen and bowlers when representing the country always give their best. He hopes that Team India can continue the same work in the WTC final.
“When we play for the country, it doesn’t matter what the outcome is but we try to give our hundred percent. We put country first. Be it the batsmen or bowlers, we have been working as a unit over the last years. And I hope, we can continue the same work and the winning spree in the WTC final,” Mohammad Shami told India News.
Shami said that if they win the series against England he’ll dedicate the win to soldiers, police officers, and doctors who have served selflessly during the COVID-19.
“As far as the England series is concerned, may we return victorious and I’ll dedicate the win to our soldiers, police officials, and doctors who have served selflessly during the pandemic,” he said.
Shami said that despite New Zealand playing two Test matches against England they won’t have any advantage entering into the WTC final because the game will be played at a neutral venue. He added that both teams are top-class and it’ll be important to utilize skills precisely.
“Definitely they will have the advantage as they have arrived early and will play a couple of Test matches against the hosts. But I feel, when two teams enter finals, they reach that point after showcasing their abilities.
“None of the teams will have the home advantage and I hope our playing XI must commit the least errors. Both India and New Zealand are top-class teams and neither of them would let go any chance. So, it’s important to utilize your time and skills precisely,”
Mohammad Shami further pointed out that Team India is high on confidence after beating Australia in Australia and then England at home and hope they continue the same in their UK tour.
"I won't give up on it on this tour", Mohammad Shami eyeing 200 Test wickets during England trip
“Hope, the bowling unit performs well. We have beaten Australia in Australia and then England at home. The boys are high on confidence and I hope, they continue the same in England,” he concluded.
With conditions favoring seamers in England the Indian pacers including Mohammad Shami would have been on the top of their game for Virat Kohli-led side if they have to fancy their chances of winning the ICC event and Test series.
(India News inputs)
