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India's quicks up to speed in Aust: Shami

3 minute read

India fast bowler Mohammed Shami says his side's bowling attack boasts the pace required in Australian conditions.

MOHAMMED SHAMI
MOHAMMED SHAMI Picture: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Spearhead Mohammed Shami is confident India's bowling attack have the pace and experience to thrive in foreign conditions yet again.

Shami is one of many members of the current touring party who helped India complete their maiden Test series win in Australia, back in 2018-19.

The right-armer claimed 16 wickets at 26.2 during that Test series, also memorably forcing Aaron Finch to retire hurt and visit hospital after a rearing blow to the gloves in Perth.

Shami, Jasprit Bumrah and Ishant Sharma have claimed more Test wickets overseas in recent years than any other bowler, underlining why they should pose a threat this summer.

"Our fast bowling group can bowl at 140 km/h plus and you need that kind of pace in Australia," Shami said on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) website.

"Even our reserves are quick, you don't get to see that kind of an attack.

"We thrive on challenges. We have the experience. We have variety in our spin bowling attack too."

Much has been made of Virat Kohli's absence in the final three Tests of this summer.

Regardless of whether Kohli is in the XI or not, India's attack will likely need to get on top of Steve Smith, David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne to give the tourists' hope of winning the series.

"We don't look at names, we focus on our skills. You can be a world-class batsman but one good ball will still get you out," Shami said.

"If you look at the numbers, we have managed to pick 20 wickets almost on all our away tours."

India's tour of Australia starts with an ODI at the SCG on Friday, while the four-Test series begins at Adelaide Oval on December 17.

Shami, fresh from an Indian Premier League stint with Kings XI Punjab that included a clutch super over, is already putting a lot of work into his red-ball bowling.

"My focus area has been the red ball and I am working on my lengths and seam movement," he said.

"I have always felt that once you start pitching the ball at the lengths you desire, you can succeed in different formats.

"What you need is control."

MOST WICKETS IN OVERSEAS TESTS SINCE START OF 2018

*68 at 20.3 - Jasprit Bumrah (14 Tests)

*61 at 26.9 - Mohammed Shami (16)

*53 at 20.0 - Ishant Sharma (13)

*51 at 20.4 - Pat Cummins (9)

*44 at 22.9 - Suranga Lakmal (12).

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