Shami revels in Test comeback as India dominates

Shami had been sidelined from international cricket since the 2015 World Cup due to a knee injury but he put those woes behind him with a four-wicket haul in the opening Test in Antigua.

Published : Jul 24, 2016 11:49 IST

The 25-year-old Shami claimed 4 for 66 in the first innings as West Indies was bowled out cheaply.
The 25-year-old Shami claimed 4 for 66 in the first innings as West Indies was bowled out cheaply.
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The 25-year-old Shami claimed 4 for 66 in the first innings as West Indies was bowled out cheaply.

India bowler Mohammed Shami said his hard work paid off after making a stunning Test comeback against West Indies.

Shami had been sidelined from international cricket since the 2015 World Cup due to a knee injury but he put those woes behind him with a four-wicket haul in the opening Test in Antigua. The 25-year-old claimed 4 for 66 in the first innings as West Indies was dismissed for 243, with the host 21 for 1 at stumps, still 302 runs adrift after India enforced the follow on.

>Report: Pacers put India on the brink of a crushing win

"I have been training for the last six months. I also trained hard when I joined the team in Bangalore," said Shami. "I did some running drills which helped. Whatever time off I got, I trained hard. I played some club matches, practice matches. I was trying to get back to my rhythm and today it feels good to do that.

"I hope the rhythm stays with me for long."

>Read: India bowled with a lot of discipline, says Brathwaite

One West Indies batsman who could hold his head high was opener Kraigg Brathwaite. Brathwaite posted 74 off 218 deliveries, top-scoring ahead of Shane Dowrich (57 not out) and captain Jason Holder (36).

>Read: Umesh Yadav says India planned to bowl lots of maiden overs

The second innings was not so good for Brathwaite, who was dismissed for two, but the batsman said of his first dig: "I enjoyed the knock. Indian bowlers really bowled well. It was a decent knock, would have loved to go on.

"Three out-and-out pacers and two spinners, a lot to chose from for India. They stuck to the plans very well. It was never easy batting against any of them on a tough day of Test cricket.

"Spending time at the crease is one of my strengths and I enjoyed batting despite it not being easy. I have to go out and get a big one in the next game. I didn't get a big enough stride in the second innings, but that's part of being an opener.

"It's important for us to come out tomorrow and bat the entire day. If we can surpass the lead, that'd be good and then look to draw the game."

West Indies pair Rajendra Chandrika (9) and Darren Bravo (10) are unbeaten at the crease heading into the fourth day.

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