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Mohammed Shami’s triumphant return to Tests bodes well for India ahead of a long season

Mohammed Shami finished with figures of 4 for 66 in the first innings against West Indies.

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Mohammed Shami should play every game for India from here on, unless there are injury concerns © AFP
Mohammed Shami should play every game for India from here on, unless there are injury concerns © AFP

Mohammed Shami returned to the Test arena after a gap of 18 months with a bang. He picked up 4 wickets in the first Test against West Indies at Antigua, which went a long way in bundling the hosts out for just 243. Shami in his previous Test too was excellent as he picked up a five-wicket haul against Australia at Sydney. India have done reasonably well in Shami’s absence. They won a Test series against Sri Lanka and also thrashed South Africa at home. India have managed well with Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav, with the occasional burst from Stuart Binny. LIVE CRICKET SCORECARD: India vs West Indies 2016, 1st Test at Antigua

With a long Test season coming up, India need as many resources as possible. India play England and New Zealand at home, who are top-class Test sides. We are aware of Virat Kohli’s fondness in playing five bowlers. But with matches played at home, India might opt to play three spinners and two pacers contrary to how they have gone in for this match against West Indies. Ishant Sharma being the most experienced bowler will easily walk into the side. In that scenario, there might be a toss up between Shami, Umesh Yadav and Bhuvneshwar Kumar for the second seamer’s spot. READ: India in driver’s seat as West Indies end Day 3, 1st Test on 21-1; trail by 302 runs

If fit, Shami should get the nod. While Shami has much better control over his line and length compared to Umesh. While Bhuvneshwar could also stake claim to a place, he does not have the pace that one expects of a fast bowler. Shami has the pace, accuracy and also uses the short ball to good effect. With a bit of assistance, Shami can make the ball talk a great deal. He was certainly able to do so than the West Indies fast bowlers in the ongoing Test. IND vs WI Live Streaming: Watch live telecast on Ozee.com

Shami’s triumphant return to cricket should put to rest any selection dilemma. Regardless of the combination Team India play, Shami should be one of the first names on the team sheet. The only concern will be around his fitness. But after spending months out of the game, he bowled as though as though he was never apart from the game. With India playing as many as 17 Tests in the next 8 months, this could be a make or break for Shami. He has certainly begun well, but will have to maintain the same intensity throughout. If he can do that, he will surely win India many matches ahead.

Pramod Ananth is a reporter at Cricketcountry.com. He is a sport enthusiast and a keen observer of cricket, the contests, and its personalities. When not tracking cricket, he follows the world’s soccer leagues and is somewhat partial towards Liverpool. His Twitter handle is @pramz)

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