Fast bowler Mohammad Shami on Tuesday (December 28) said that the credit for India’s pace unit's success should only go to players who worked hard for it.
India’s four-pronged pace attack, led by Shami, bowled out South Africa for 197 to take a huge first-innings lead of 130 runs in the ongoing Centurion Test.
Shami returned with the impressive figures of 5 for 44, his sixth five-for in Tests, which also brought a personal milestone of 200 wickets in the longest format for him.
Earlier, Indian bowlers used to praise the support staff, especially former coach Bharat Arun, for their stellar showing but Shami took a divergent route.
"Indian pace bowling is a formidable one because each and every member has worked hard and achieved it all with their sheer hard work.
"They have created their own little units (niche) for themselves and yes they are the ones who have put in an immense amount of hardwork in the last 6-7 years. They are here on their own," Shami said in a virtual media conference after the third day’s play in Centurion.
"Yes, credit goes to support staff. They support your skill but it's not fair that you take any particular name. What you should see is what kind of effort that these boys have put in and I give credit to boys who have put in the effort," he added.
The visitors were 16/1 at the close of play on Day 3, extending their second innings lead to 146 runs. Mayank Agarwal (4) was the only dismissed batter.
According to Shami, a lead of 350-400 in the second innings and at least three to four sessions to take a crack at the Proteas batters will help them achieve a win in the first Test.
"A lead of 146 is fine but two days are still left. We have to bat for the better part of tomorrow and if we can make around 250 (in second innings) and the lead is close to 400, then we can give them four sessions or maybe a bit more.
"But that depends on the captain but a minimum of 350 to 400 runs will be required for sure," Shami said.
Commenting on his 200 Test wickets milestone, the right-arm paceman said: "No one can ever dream as to what he can ultimately achieve when you are coming up the ranks and struggling to make a mark. Your dream is to become an India player and play with those whom you have seen on TV. All you can do is work hard and if you work hard you are bound to get results."
"Test match isn't any rocket science. If you are a Test level bowler, you should know your lengths and also have an idea of conditions and adapt accordingly."
Mohammad Shami also remembered his late father after becoming only the fifth Indian pacer to claim 200 Test wickets.
"My father has made me what I am today. I come from a village (Sahaspur, UP's Amroha) where there aren't many facilities and even today there aren't all facilities available.
"Even then, my father would cycle me 30 kms to take me to the coaching camp and that struggle I still remember. In those days and those situations, they invested in me and I am forever grateful."
(With PTI inputs)
