Mohammed Shami bids farewell to Test cricket
A glistening Test career came to an end for Mohammed Shami as he announced his retirement in an Instagram post. Shami, who is 36 now, made his Test debut on 6th November, 2013 in Kolkata, featuring in India’s bowling line up against the the West Indies.
Known for his mastery of swing, Shami led the Indian pace attack for a while. He was part of 64 Tests, claiming 229 wickets at an economy rate of 3.3. With six fifers across his career, Shami was always a threat with the new ball while also conjuring significant movement with a cherry that lost its lacquer.
Posting on social media about his retirement, Shami wrote, “In this 13-year journey, this cap, this ball, made me Mohammed Shami. All the ups and downs, I did fall, I did get hurt, I did get injured. But I stood up again for this badge. In this 13-year journey, this cap, this ball, made me Mohammed Shami. All the ups and downs, I did fall, I did get hurt, I did get injured. But I stood up again for this badge.”
He further added, “Especially the fans. The name that the cricket fans have made, the boost they give to this name, it will always be remembered. The biggest thanks to all of you, to all the fans who had so much love for cricket and made this name reach here. So, I got this [his Test cap] on 6th November, and today is 6th November. So, let's end this 13-year journey here today. I made my debut today, and today I am taking retirement.”
He concluded by stating, “I am leaving this, but I will continue to play white-ball cricket, whether it is IPL or domestic. And if it is needed for fitness, I will continue to play days cricket, but with international Test cricket. So, this was the journey so far. I started it today, and I am ending it today."
Shami played his last Test in the 2023 World Test Championship final where India went up against Australia. Shami claimed four wickets across two innings. Shami was known for creating movement on any surface with the red ball. His variations with the seam wreaked absolute havoc amongst the batters. Looking back at his absolute best, one would always remember when he chopped Alastair Cook’s timbre in half, literally, in 2016. Shami never lost a Test series at home while India managed to win 31 of the 64 Tests in which he played.
