Mohammad Shami is the type of bowler that prefers to maintain a rhythm, thus you may not want to rest him: Sunil Gavaskar

The legendary Indian hitter Sunil Gavaskar was dissatisfied with his team’s performance on Day 1 of the fourth Test against Australia. He was particularly unhappy with the manner in which Mohammed Shami bowled with the new ball. Australia, having won the toss and elected to bat, scored 30 without loss in 10 overs.

After a ceremony that included Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese, play began at the Narendra Modi Stadium, although India appeared off-colour and conceded a few more runs in the opening 30 minutes.

After being removed from the third Test in Indore, Shami lacked rhythm, allowing 10 runs. He began with a massive wide and a delivery that swung late, resulting in byes. Former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar was disappointed that Shami was rested during the third Test. The famous batter also emphasized the need of match fitness for fast bowlers.

“Resting Mohammed Shami was a foolish decision. You had eight days between the second and third tests. He bowled medium-military in his first two deliveries “stated Gavaskar on Star Sports.

“That is how it must be. The batter is anxious, but he has not yet reached the plate. If he sees the ball move harmlessly to the goalkeeper, he is able to observe the state of the pitch. He can then begin to mentally loosen up slightly “Gavaskar added.

Shami appreciates being in rhythm
Sunil Gavaskar desires a bowler like Shami to be in rhythm due to the manner in which he delivered his opening spell.

“Excellent bowlers were aggressive from the very first ball. He simply cannot get his line straight. Consider how far that traveled. It will be ruled a bye since it has not moved away from the marker, which shows that it is broad. I believe you are aware that Mohammed Shami is the type of bowler who prefers to maintain a rhythm, so perhaps you shouldn’t rest him “he continued.

Indian pacers Umesh and Shami struggled to establish their rhythm in the first hour, as Australia rapidly reached 40 for 0 in 12 overs. Travis Head’s KS Bharat dropped a catch at number seven, which frustrated both the skipper and the bowler.