Indian pacer Mohammed Shami is confident about facing New Zealand in the World Test Championship (WTC) final and believes the Indian bowling attack is better than the Kiwis’.
“Obviously, we are (better than Trent Boult, Tim Southee and Neil Wagner),” Shami told Sports Tak.
“If you see our records, you will have an idea of what I'm talking about.”
Much of India’s recent success in the longest format can be ascribed to the fact that the pacers have stepped up, bowling sides out comfortably in overseas conditions. Recent history in South Africa and Australia is a testimony to that.
“Fans don't become fans overnight; they know the entire history. We have done a lot of homework to build this fast-bowling trio of me, Ishant Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah,” the pacer added.
“When we play Test cricket, even if someone is having a bad day the other bowlers step up. When someone is down, we make sure to pick up that teammate and carry the team forward as a unit. We try to cheer him up as well.”
Shami, who is just 20 wickets away from becoming the fifth Indian fast bowler to get 200 Test wickets, also opined that the conditions at The Rose Bowl won’t favour one team over the other.
“Conditions won't be one-sided for either team. It will be a good match I think, both teams are balanced and solid. I don't think either team will leave any loose point,” the Bengal cricketer reckoned.
Shami hasn’t played for India after getting hit on his wrist in the Adelaide Test in December 2020 but is keen to represent the country once again in the longer format. The 30-year-old will make a comeback in the WTC final and has also been included in the five-match red-ball series against England.
Featured photo: Indranil MUKHERJEE / AFP
