Tabraiz Shamsi - The turnaround

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South Africa defeated England in the third and final T20 International to clinch the series by a 2-1 margin. At Rose Bowl, Southampton, the visitors defeated England convincingly by 90 runs as they shattered England’s hope in front of a jampacked arena. 

The hero of the match for the Proteas was their left-arm chinaman bowler Shamsi. His figures of 5 for 24 from his 4 overs might well suggest that he had a smooth sail in the series, but that is not the case. 

In the first match of the series, the English batters got the better of Shamsi thrashing him for 49 runs in just 3 overs. But the spin wizard made a comeback in the second match with 3 for 27 from his 4 overs, and by the final match, he was a completely different bowler.


What changed for Shamsi after the first match?

Well, Shamsi has been in the top three list of T20I bowlers for quite some time now. The way he has adapted himself in this series will tell you why he has been there for so long. As we delve into deeper analysis, you will meet a thinking and cunning spinner. 

Let us first have a look at the changes in line he brought about after the thrashing in the first match. 

image-l6ahai8uShamsi's line variations throughtout the series


The figure is evidence of the fact that as the series progressed Shamsi resorted to a straighter line attacking the stumps. Let us look at what are the adjustments he made to his length.

image-l6ahddgzShamsi's length variations throughout the series


An increase in the frequency of balls in the good length by Shamsi is noticed over the series. 


The drastic change: In the first match Shamsi bowled wider but within the arc of the batters. This gave the batters enough room and the opportunity to get under the ball. Thus he was thrashed in the match.

But Shamsi soon learned from his mistake and got straighter in the next two matches. He also bowled more deliveries in the good length area denying the batters the scope to get under the ball. 

The adjustments he made in his bowling were reflected in his figures as the series progressed. From a zero to the hero of the decider, Shamsi’s improvement speaks of the shrewdness of the man. 

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