‘He dismissed Bracewell with a bouncer, who could have been a threat’ says Irfan Pathan on Mohammed Shami

The former Indian all-rounder, Irfan Pathan, is known for his swing exploits which he often used to derail the opposition. It is this virtue which enables him to analyse a bowler's mind and skill accurately. While speaking on the Star Sports show ‘Follow the Blues’ said that he was particularly impressed by Mohammed Shami and hoped that Indian team gets their combination right before they being their world cup campaign.

Shami has had a decent return to the ODI format for Team India. He has been bowling well with consistent line and length for his team, which could trouble the batter. He was a key part of the team in the last ODI World cup held in England in 2019, and would be hoping he makes the squad once again.

Pathan shared his views about the veteran speedster. He iterated, “I was really impressed with Shami, because the way he set it up, the first wicket, the first over. Everything started from there itself because in the start we kept bowling then with a little bit of variation that was there in his wrists, getting the ball in was very effective.”

Furthermore, the former pacer opined that Shami has the knack of taking crucial wickets at important stages of the game. He elaborated, “The three wickets that were taken by him, out of which he got two in his first spell and then dismissing Bracewell with a bouncer, who could have been a threat to team India. Changing the angle against him according to the situation, he used the pitch well bowling a bouncer and took his wicket."

Pathan then focussed on the fact that how important it is for Indian team selectors and the management to get their bowling combination right. He added, "India needs to focus on bowling. It is very important to plan what combination we should be playing and which bowlers should get a chance, depending on how they make the most of the pitches." He concluded by saying, "The biggest problem here is that the pitches are flat and our bowling is not up to the mark and that's what we have seen in the last two T20 World Cups against Pakistan as well as against England in the semi-finals."

India have a chance to test their bench strength in their third and final ODI against New Zealand. India would be hoping for another dominating performance against the visitors and complete a series whitewash. 

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