'May we return victorious' - Mohammed Shami to dedicate England series win to frontline COVID-19 workers of India

India pacer Mohammed Shami is one of the key players for India in the upcoming ICC World Test Championship final (WTC) against New Zealand starting on June 18. In the past few years, Shami has redefined himself as a bowler and has formed a lethal combination with Jasprit Bumrah.

Currently, the Indian team is in Mumbai and is out of the 14-day quarantine. The Men in Blue will board a flight on June 02 and are set to face Kiwis in the marquee clash of the WTC. After that, India will play a five-match Test series against hosts England and the Shami-led pace bowling unit has task cut out ahead of the intense six matches.

Before embarking on the tour, Shami spoke about the upcoming challenge in English conditions. The seasoned campaigner also stated that if the team returns victorious, then he will dedicate the win to the frontline workers and doctors who have toiled relentlessly and selflessly in India’s fight against COVID-19 in recent times.

“When we play for the country, it doesn’t matter what the outcome is but we try to give our hundred percent. We put country first. Be it the batsmen or bowlers, we have been working as a unit over the last years. And I hope, we can continue the same work and the winning spree in the WTC final,” Shami told India News.

Shami is confident of his team’s chances and feels India is a well-rounded squad. He also feels, the England series will be a good contest between bat and ball.

“As far as the England series is concerned, may we return victorious and I’ll dedicate the win to our soldiers, police officials and doctors who have served selflessly during the pandemic,” he added.

Mohammed Shami optimistic of India’s chances ahead of the WTC final

The right-arm pacer also stated that there won’t be any home advantage and that puts both teams on even when the summit finale begins on June 18.

“Definitely they will have the advantage as they have arrived early and will play a couple of Test matches against the hosts. But I feel, when two teams enter finals, they reach that point after showcasing their abilities. None of the teams will have the home advantage and I hope our playing XI must commit the least errors. Both India and New Zealand are top-class teams and neither of them would let go any chance. So, it’s important to utilise your time and skills precisely,” he concluded.