NEW DELHI: Before the COVID-19 lockdowns disrupted the world, Indian pace bowler Mohammed Shami had constructed a home-made practice facility that helped him maintain his sharpness and ultimately led to his successful World Cup comeback against New Zealand.
Shami's impressive performance of 5-54 in Dharamsala played a crucial role in India's four-wicket victory and their unbeaten 5-0 record at the tournament.
In early 2020, Shami set up a practice pitch, nets, and a clay running track at his farmhouse in Amroha, located in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. This facility served as a convenient practice base for Shami and his younger brother, who is also a cricketer.
Shami explained his motivation behind creating this facility, stating, "I knew that there would be no scope to go anywhere, so I thought it would be better to build that facility at the farmhouse."
Before the World Cup, Shami had experienced some periods of rest and was even excluded from the squad for the Asia Cup in September, with all-rounder Hardik Pandya taking on a more significant role in the team after recovering from a year-long battle with a back injury.
Shami expressed his preference for staying engaged with the game, even during periods of rest, saying, "Sometimes it happens that when you are busy for 12 months, you get relaxed after going home. I feel that I don't get relaxed after going home. I get more relaxed (training)."
Shami made a successful return to the World Cup, replacing the injured Hardik Pandya, and his performance included three crucial wickets in the final overs, helping restrict New Zealand to a total of 273. This earned him the Player-of-the-Match award.
1/10:World Cup: Kohli hits 95 as unbeaten India down New Zealand
2/10:Chasemaster Kohli
<p>Virat Kohli led India to a four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the World Cup with a remarkable innings of 95.</p>ANI
3/10:Kohli missed Tendulkar's record
<p>Virat Kohli narrowly missed equalling Sachin Tendulkar's record of 49 one-day international centuries.</p>Reuters
4/10:Shami strikes on his return
<p>Mohammed Shami was the star bowler for India, taking 5-54, helping to bowl New Zealand out for 273.</p>Reuters
5/10:Five wins on the trot
<p>India chased down the target with 12 balls to spare in Dharamsala, securing their fifth win in five World Cup matches.</p>PTI
6/10:Mitchell's terrific knock
<p>New Zealand, with Daryl Mitchell's brilliant 130, posted 273, but suffered their first loss in the tournament.</p>AFP
7/10:Crucial partnership
<p>Kohli's superb form was evident as he led partnerships, including a vital 78-run stand with Ravindra Jadeja.</p>AP
8/10:No 49th ton for Kohli
<p>Kohli's innings was terminated at 95 by Matt Henry, just five runs short of his 49th ODI century.</p>ANI
9/10:India batters shine
<p>The match also featured strong contributions from Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Shreyas Iyer.</p>AP
10/10:Shami's fifer made the difference
<p>Mohammed Shami's five-wicket haul played a pivotal role in India's victory, containing New Zealand's scoring in the final 10 overs.</p>India currently leads the standings in the World Cup and will face defending champions England in their next match in Lucknow. Although Pandya is set to rejoin the squad, it remains uncertain whether he will be available for selection in the upcoming match.
Shami emphasized the importance of supporting each other's success within the team, reflecting on his experience of sitting out India's first four World Cup matches.
(With Reuters inputs)
