‘Whatever color the ball is, your approach should be the same’: Mohammed Shami on ‘Bitter Memories of the Adelaide Day-Night Test’

Star Indian seamer Mohammad Shami has spoken about India’s bid to retain the Border Gavaskar Trophy as the men in blue head down for the upcoming edition of the story series.

Exclusive to CrickeNext, pacer Shami remains hopeful of making the flight to Australia after recovering from an injury that kept him sidelined following his stellar performance at the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup.

Shani said he has regained fitness and is now pain-free before targeting a strong showing on Australian soil when the BGT begins next month.

“We are hopeful and will do our best. Guys, you should pray too. It got pretty big,” the pacer said.

“Our guys won there twice in a row, this should also be appreciated. In 2018 we won for the first time, and in 2020 half of our seniors were absent. This time, a strong India will be able to win again,” he expressed confidence.

“I don’t think captaincy has that much influence. The team has to work to win matches, especially Test matches which give you a chance to come back,” the strike bowler added.

Shami also said that preparation is crucial and that it is difficult for one player to live up to everyone’s expectations. He acknowledged Australia’s advantage in playing in their backyard but said India will not be short of preparation.

“Smart, well-prepared teams can bounce back. You can’t depend on one player to win the series. Obviously they will have home advantage but India will be ready,” the welder added.

India opened the tour with a game in Perth followed by the second Test scheduled to be played at the Adelaide Oval and the seamer further opined that regardless of the format, the team must have a streamlined approach to register success. .

India were left with terrible memories of Adelaide as the team were bowled out by a paltry 36 runs in the second innings of a Test between the sides in 2020, with the hosts claiming an 8-wicket win.

“I’ve always said this: no matter what color the ball is, your approach should be the same, which in turn will give you the same results,” the 34-year-old added.

He added that the conditions will be different, but you need to maintain your abilities to be able to give solid performances on the big stage.

“I admit there is more swinging and bouncing, the weather is a little different, but you have to believe in your skills,” the pacer added.