Mohammed Shami made his long-awaited return to T20I cricket after 26 months, impressing with his seam movement but failing to pick up wickets during the powerplay in his first match back against England.
Shami’s opening delivery, his first in international cricket since the 2022 T20 World Cup, was loose yet displayed his characteristic seam position and swing. England’s Philip Salt was unable to make clean contact, with the ball reaching the keeper after a low bounce. India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, opted to remove the slip fielders following the delivery.
In his second over, Shami adjusted his line, targeting Salt more precisely. While Salt managed to score a boundary, Shami kept him guessing with a variety of deliveries, mixing in both inswingers and outswingers. Eventually, Salt took a single to end the over.
Shami’s third over saw him facing England captain Jos Buttler, whom he tested with a beautiful outswinger that beat the batsman. Commentator Sunil Gavaskar was quick to praise Shami’s seam position, calling it “ramrod straight” and a perfect example of his craft.
Despite conceding a four and a six in his second over, Shami finished with 15 runs given from his first two overs, without claiming any wickets.
While his performance in terms of wickets was quiet, his skillful seam movement and ability to test the England batters were noteworthy.
Shami’s return is particularly significant as India heads into the Champions Trophy, with Shami expected to lead the pace attack amid uncertainties surrounding Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness.
After recovering from an ankle injury, Shami has featured in domestic cricket, including the Ranji Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, though his absence from India’s squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy was a surprise to many.
Also Read: Delhi Court Orders FIR Against Rana Ayyub for Anti-India Posts on Social Media