India vs Australia | Bowling in match is best preparation, says Mohammad Shami

11/24/2018

Mohammad Shami reveals that his current spell in the Ranji Trophy with Bengal will prove beneficial when he goes up to face Australia in the Test series which will be played next month. Virat Kohli & Co. are scheduled to play four Test matches against Australia from December 6 - January 7.

Indian pacer Mohammad Shami was recently included in the Test squad that will travel to Australia for a four-match Test series away from home. Having not been named in the limited-overs squad, Shami had some free time before he hopped on the plane to Australia. The veteran pacer opted to play for Bengal in the ongoing Ranji Trophy tournament.

Shami claimed that playing in a competitive first-class cricket match is the best preparation for him ahead of the challenging Test series against the Aussies.

"I decided on my own. it was better to bowl for your team and state rather than practising somewhere else. The more you bowl here, the more it will help in Australia. It was good preparation. For me, bowling in a match is the best preparation. I prefer that any day.

"I was feeling well to bowl at home after a long time. All my friends were here. It was after a long time I could play with my team," Shami told PTI reporters.

After having some trouble with a few injuries here and there, Shami took to the field for his state of Bengal in the Ranji Trophy match against Kerala. Shami was the only Bengal bowler to go past the 20-over mark in the first innings and coach Sairaj Bahutule told PTI that it was entirely the player's call.

"I've prepared well, had good training and match preparation. I've a practice match there. I will be ready for the Tests," Shami added.

Kohli & Co. will take on the Aussies in four Test match which are scheduled to go on from December 6 to January 7.