WTC Final: 'I never regret missing out on five-wicket hauls' - Mohammed Shami

Day 5 of the World Test Championship saw India storming back into the contest on the back of a scintillating bowling display by the Indian bowlers. Mohammed Shami was at his ruthless best as he dismantled the English batting with some hostile bowling. The pacer put on a remarkable show of fast bowling and returned with figures of 4-76, helping India bowl out New Zealand for 249, 32 ahead of India’s 217.

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While many fans were disappointed that Shami could not pick up a five-wicket haul, the pacer revealed that personal milestones stand of no importance to him.

"I never regret missing out on five-wicket hauls or other such achievements.Such thoughts don't cross our minds. I love playing for my country and that is it," Shami said in a post-match conference.

Shami further shed light on India’s strategy for the final day of the WTC final. Shami believes that India need runs on the board before thinking about bowling New Zealand out in the fourth innings.

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"I can't say how much we can dismiss them for in the fourth innings of the match. We need time and a plan, which we will obviously work out. We will need runs on the board and backup."

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Talking about his performance that helped India claw back in the match, Shami said that he is always committed to delivering for the team, adding that he focusses on executing the team plan.

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"Whenever the team has needed me, I have given my 100 percent. I always try to attack, go for the wickets. Once the captain guides me on where to bowl, I focus on doing that, trying to maintain the kind of line and length expected from me."

India are 64-2 in their second innings, 32 ahead of New Zealand. The weather is good for the day and the fans are expecting a crackerjack of a contest. India’s strategy should be to bat out time and score as many as they can before giving it a go at New Zealand. For the Kiwis, they will look to bowl out India for as low as possible.

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