COVID lockdown training base kept Mohammed Shami sharp for World Cup comeback | Cricket News

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.

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)