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How Shami's Consistency Relieves India From Major Headache Before Champions Trophy

Arnav Chopra

Mohammed Shami (Source: AP Photos)Mohammed Shami (Source: AP Photos)

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He bowled just eight overs in Nagpur during the first ODI against England, but Mohammed Shami was definitely back at his best, with consistent line and length visible during his spell. The pacer displayed class and accuracy, and with each delivery, Shami impressed one and all, strengthening his case for a Champions Trophy return.

On Thursday, February 6th, at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur, it was announced during the toss that veteran Virat Kohli would not be a part of this game due to a knee injury. However, on the other side, there was confirmation that pacer Mohammed Shami was making his eluding return to the format for the first time since featuring in the World Cup final against Australia in 2023.

How Shami's Spell Gave Indian Management A Sigh Of Relief

England won the toss and surprisingly chose to bat first on the surface, which would likely improve for batting, especially under lights. Anyway, the Indian camp was a bit relieved that they were getting what they wished for. Moving on, English batters Phil Salt and Ben Duckett came out with their bats, hoping to put a decent target on the board, something their bowlers could defend.

Meanwhile, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma handed the ball to Shami, who was eagerly awaiting his ODI return. All set, pacer Shami runs in to bowl his first ball in the 50-over format, and he gets a bit of swing in his first over, which also turned out to be a maiden, making it evident that he was back to his best. In the third over, Shami got past the bat of Duckett on two consecutive occasions, as we saw with each delivery.

By the end of 47.4 overs, England were bowled out for 248. Shami, who delivered just eight overs in his spell, picked the sole wicket of Brydon Carse, giving away just 38 runs. Meanwhile, Carse, who was trying to play an ugly hoick, was knocked over by Shami in the 40th over of the innings with a cross-seaming delivery. It was bowled at good length as it crashed onto the top of the middle stump, which the batter assumed to be too short, and went for the pull, costing him his wicket.

This excellent spell by Shami clarified two things for the Indian management before the Champions Trophy 2025, which begins on 19 February. First, he is fit enough for the 50-over games, especially after featuring in T20I matches against England. Second, his line and length are perfectly back to normal, indicating that he still has the steam left to partner Jasprit Bumrah with the new ball.

Currently, with 195 wickets in the ODI format, the Indian pacer is just five wickets away from joining the elite list of players with 200 wickets in ODI cricket for India. And it won't be a surprise if he attains that record in the ongoing series.

India-England Battling It Out In Nagpur

Now, talking about the game, India, after the end of 30 overs, were 206 for 3, with Shubman Gill (74*) and Axar Patel (46*) still at the crease. Moreover, the home side still requires 43 runs in 20 overs to bag the first ODI of the three-match series.