Ranji Trophy 2018-19: Mohammed Shami wanted to bowl more than BCCI limit, says Sairaj Bahutule

In the first innings of the ongoing contest against Kerala, the Bengal seamer ended up bowling 26 overs — 11 more than the limit specified by the BCCI.

Tireless battler: Mohammed Shami took three wickets for 100 runs in his 26 overs.

When Mohammed Shami came on to bowl his 15th over during Kerala’s first innings, on the second day of the ongoing Ranji Trophy match at Eden Gardens, the batsmen may probably have heaved a sigh of relief. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had allowed the Indian seamer to bowl only 15 overs so he would not be overworked ahead of India’s Test series in Australia.

DAY TWO REPORT

But Shami didn’t stop with 15 overs. He came back later on in the afternoon and ended up bowling 26 overs, taking three wickets for 100 runs. He was expensive, but he also showed why he has been one of India’s leading pace bowlers over the last few years, troubling the Kerala batsmen often.

‘Bowling well’

Sairaj Bahutule, the Bengal coach, said Shami wanted to bowl and he was fit when asked about the BCCI’s condition — of the limit of 15 overs per innings. “On the ground, Shami felt that he could bowl more,” he said. “He was bowling well and he wanted to continue. Besides, we were told that he could bowl a few more overs if required.”

Bahutule said he could bowl more than 15 overs in the second innings, too, if the situation demanded. “He certainly can do that,” he said. “I don’t think there should be any issue at all.”