Mohammed Shami: ‘Good for team and good for confidence’: Mohammed Shami after first fifer against Australia

NEW DELHI: Pacer Mohammed Shami on Friday took a five-wicket haul to help India bowl out Australia for 276 in the first One-Day International (ODI) of the three-match series at Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali.
Shami returned figures of 5 for 51 in 10 overs, against a team he enjoyed bowling a lot. With this first fifer against Australia, Shami now has taken 37 wickets against the Aussies, making him the second most successful Indian bowler against them in ODIs.
Shami surpassed current chief selector Ajit Agarkar (36 wickets) to stay behind India legend Kapil Dev, who still holds the record with 45 wickets against the Aussies, in the list. “Feels good when you put in the effort and get wickets, it’s good for the team and for your confidence,” Shami said during the mid-innings break.
Shami said that he enjoyed the company of fellow India pacer Mohammed Siraj in the squad.
The pacer then added that there was not much on the wicket and the bowlers had to rely on bowling at the right areas.
“It’s important to bowl in the right areas and set the tone. Yes, it was hot out here. There wasn’t much out of the wicket so the only option was to bowl good lengths and mix-up your variations. Feels good when you put in the effort and get wickets, it’s good for the team and for your confidence,” Shami said.