Ranchi: India pacer Mohammad Shami, who troubled the Australian batsmen with his pace and swing in a career-best haul of three for 42, today said he just concentrated on the basics without indulging in anything extra-ordinary in the abandoned fourth ODI here.
“I don't take any pressure when I go onto the field. I always believe in myself. I concentrate on my line and length and swing. I just try my best and work hard,” Shami told reporters after the fourth ODI of the seven-match series was abandoned due to rain at the JSCA Stadium here.
After a shaky start, Australia rode on breezy half-centuries from skipper George Bailey (98) and Glenn Maxwell (92) to post a challenging 295 for eight after being asked to bat. BCCI Shami bowled Aaron Finch and Shane Watson with two typical inswingers.
BCCI But rain played spoilsport as the fourth ODI was called off with India on 27 for no loss after 4.1 overs chasing Australia's competitive total.
Shami bowled Aaron Finch and Shane Watson with two typical inswingers and the Bengal pacer said the key to his success was not to give any room to the batsmen: ”Plan was just not to give any room to Finch as he was playing well. We just kept our focus on that and wanted them to play as much as possible and we got success,” he said.
Shami said that he was lucky to bowl on a fresh wicket that generally offers swing and pace. “There was nothing different in the pitch. We bowled first so there's always help from a fresh wicket.
There was no extra-ordinary carry or bounce in the wicket. It was going good before the rain. But it became slow after rain,” he said.
Shami touched 140kph in his fiery spell and the Bengal pacer said his hardwork outside the field is paying off: ”I'm just putting in extra effort on gym and training sessions. Speed is all about the conditions you have on offer,” he said. India were severely let down by six drop catches, including two off Shami's bowling but the bowler said missed chances were part of the game.
“It's part and parcel of the game. We try not to make any mistakes. Nobody drops a catch intentionally,” Shami said. Asked whether he has anything to offer as a batsman, Shami said: “We have good batsmen in our team. But given a chance, I will try to showcase my talent.”
On team selection he said, “It's up to the team management. We always try to win a series. We don't think about whether to play or not. Whoever gets a chance gives his best.”
