Boxing Day Test: Ravichandran Ashwin's Discipline Enabled Us to Attack, Says Shami
Mohammad Shami claimed two key wickets on the opening day of the Boxing Day Test. He however credited spinner Ravichandran Ashwin for helping the pacers
Medium pacer Mohammed Shami on Friday acknowledged off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin's disciplined bowling effort that helped Indian quicks put pressure on the Australian batsmen on the Boxing Day Test here on Friday. (Scorecard | Highlights)
Shami took two crucial wickets for 55 runs in 17 overs to restrict Australia to 259 for five on day one at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. (Shami Plans to Send Australia Packing Early on Day 2)
"It is very important to keep the pressure up from both ends. If you bowl well from one end and runs are conceded from the other, it doesn't make sense," Shami said.
"It doesn't matter if it's a spinner or a pacer; if one bowler can hold one end up, it gives the other one a better chance to attack and pick wickets. I really liked the way Ashwin did that job or us. That gave us the freedom to try out our lengths and form our plans." (Watson Rues Missed Chance at MCG)
The 24-year-old seamer also said it was challenging to bowl in Australia since the Kookaburra ball used here doesn't offer much reverse swing.
"We don't get as much reverse swing with the Kookaburra ball as we do with the SG back home. So we have to focus more on accuracy. Besides being disciplined with our bowling, we also have to keep our emotions in check and be patient," Shami said.