Wickets in West Indies are similar to those in Asia: Mohammed Shami

With the Indian Test team’s tour to West Indies approaching in 3 week’s time, Indian pacer Mohammed Shami said that the conditions in the Caribbean are similar to Asia, which has a lot to offer for the spinners.

He said that in the past, the wickets in Windies used to have a lot more bounce and carry, but that is not the case currently. “I have played there earlier and I haven’t found them (the wickets) to be that different. They are almost similar to India. Yes, in the earlier times we would hear that the wicket is bouncy and all that but now the wickets are similar to those in Asia,” Shami told bcci.tv ahead of the four-Test series.

“So there is no need to be excited as a fast bowler that you will get the bounce and carry. According to me, it is important to focus on line and length.”

The series comprises of 4 Test matches with the opening match at North Sound, Antigua from July 21 to 25. When asked about the preparation ahead of the series, Shami said, “I have played there before and I have an idea of the conditions and one will have to be prepared (to utilise those). The main preparation should be for getting your line and length perfect for the wickets there (as per what suits those wickets).”

Also read –  New Zealand tour of India itinerary announced

“I’ve been playing whatever two-day, four-day (multi-day games) club or whatever other games that I get in order to be prepared for playing in the Tests,” he added.

When queried about the challenges against the West Indies side, Shami said: “West Indies is the kind of team that can give you a run for your money on a given day and so you have to be very focused and aware. We have to focus on line and length (as bowlers).”

“I will try to give in my best and as a unit, the effort would be to bowl tight spells and get wickets.”

Also read – I’ll probably still want to play Test cricket when I’m 38: Liam Plunkett

In IPL 2016, he played under Zaheer Khan and bowled with him in tandem. Talking about his experience of working with the legend, Shami said: “You definitely benefit from working with experienced players. The aim while talking to him was to learn as much as I can and understand my game.”