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Mohammed Shami, India's most seasoned pacers, marked a stunning comeback to Team India's playing XI, putting forth an awe-inspiring performance during the inaugural ODI against Australia. The face-off took place at the esteemed I.S. Bindra Cricket Association in Mohali, where Shami's prowess reigned supreme on a Friday evening of September.
Recording his career's best ODI figures, Shami unleashed a devastating spell, capturing 5 wickets for just 51 runs. Right from the match's onset, his impact was felt as he sent the Australian top-order batsman, Mitchell Marsh, back to the pavilion in the very first over. Yet, his most prized scalp came in the form of the stalwart Steve Smith, halting his promising inning. Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Short, and Sean Abbott also fell prey to Shami's lethal bowling, culminating in Australia settling for a modest total of 276.
In the annals of Indian cricket, Mohammed Shami's name was etched as the first Indian pacer to claim a five-wicket haul in a home ODI in a span of 16 years. The title was previously held by the renowned Zaheer Khan, who achieved this distinction back in 2007 in Goa. Moreover, Shami's commendable feat against the Aussies made him the pioneering Indian fast bowler to take five wickets in an ODI against Australia on Indian soil.
Shami's spectacular performance finds a place alongside cricket legends like Ajit Agarkar and Kapil Dev, the only other Indian pacers to have claimed a five-wicket haul against the Aussies in ODI cricket. Both these feats by Agarkar and Kapil were accomplished on foreign turf.
Indian Pacers with fifers in ODIs against Australia:
1983: Kapil Dev - 5/43, Nottingham
2004: Ajit Agarkar - 6/42, Melbourne
2023: Mohammed Shami - 5/51, Mohali
Amidst the celebration of Shami's incredible achievement, the evolving dynamics of Team India's bowling unit cannot be overlooked. With the team's strategy accommodating just two core pacers, there exists intense competition, especially with Mohammed Siraj's exemplary showcase during the 2023 Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka. While Siraj was given a breather for this match, Shami paired up with India's bowling spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah, to steer the attack.
The road to India's best XI for the 2023 ODI World Cup is brimming with talent and choices, making it intriguing to watch how these cricketing narratives unfold, especially with exceptional performers like Mohammed Shami staking their claim.
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