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Mohammed Shami Test Career Ends: It is an emotional moment for the Indian cricketing fraternity. The country’s star fast bowler, Mohammed Shami, has announced his retirement from Test cricket, bringing an end to his illustrious 13-year journey in the red-ball format. Representing the nation in the iconic white jersey has been the most cherished part of his life. In his farewell message, Shami made it clear that while he is stepping away from Test cricket, the invaluable memories associated with it will always remain with him.
Over the course of his 64-Test career, the 36-year-old fast bowler claimed a total of 229 wickets. During this span, he achieved the remarkable feat of taking five or more wickets in an innings (a 'five-for') on six occasions. A master of swinging both the new and old ball, complemented by exceptional seam movement and lethal reverse swing, Shami proved his mettle as a bowler on some of the most challenging pitches across the globe. From Perth, Australia to Johannesburg, South Africa, he bowled many match-winning spells.
Mohammed Shami Top 5 Test Bowling Performances Overview
| Opponent | Venue | Series | Figures | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | Perth | December 2018 | 6/56 | Career-best Test figures on a bouncy pitch |
| West Indies | Kolkata (Eden Gardens) | November 2013 | 9/118 (Match) | Dream Test Debut (4/71 & 5/47) |
| South Africa | Johannesburg (Wanderers) | January 2018 | 5/28 | Defended 241 target in the 4th innings |
| South Africa | Visakhapatnam | October 2019 | 5/35 | 5th-day speed spell on a flat pitch |
| South Africa | Centurion | December 2021 | 5/44 | Completed 200 Test wickets & historical win |
Top 5 Best Bowling Spells of Mohammed Shami in Test Cricket
5. Historic 5-Wicket Haul at Centurion (5/44 vs South Africa, Dec 2021)
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During the challenging tour of South Africa, Shami once again showcased his formidable bowling prowess in the Test match held at Centurion. On the demanding pitch at SuperSport Park, he claimed 5 wickets for 44 runs in the first innings. With this stellar performance, Shami also reached the milestone of 200 Test wickets, becoming the fifth Indian fast bowler to achieve this feat. Powered by Shami’s lethal bowling, India secured a historic Test victory (by 113 runs) at Centurion the first time the team had ever won a Test match at this venue.
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4. Masterclass in Visakhapatnam (5/35 vs South Africa, Oct 2019)
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During South Africa’s tour of India, Shami stunned everyone with his brilliant bowling in the second innings of the Visakhapatnam Test. On the fifth day of the match, the pitch offered little assistance to fast bowlers; however, Shami, relying on his pace and precise line and length made it impossible for stalwarts like Faf du Plessis and Quinton de Kock to settle in. He claimed 5 wickets for just 35 runs, playing a pivotal role in India’s comfortable 203-run victory.
3. The Miracle at Wanderers, Johannesburg (5/28 vs South Africa, Jan 2018)
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In the Johannesburg Test against South Africa, the Indian team had to defend a target of 241 runs on the challenging Wanderers pitch. On the fourth day, Shami bowled a lethal spell that dismantled the South African batting lineup. He tore through the middle and lower order, finishing with 5 wickets for 28 runs. Thanks to this magical spell, India won the match by 63 runs, securing a historic victory on foreign soil.
2. Dream Test Debut at Eden Gardens (9 Wickets vs West Indies, Nov 2013)
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Shami made an immediate impact during his Test debut against the West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, claiming a total of 9 wickets in his very first match. He took 4 wickets for 71 runs in the first innings and 5 wickets for 47 runs in the second (finishing with 9 wickets for 118 runs overall). The West Indian batsmen appeared completely helpless against his reverse swing. This performance proved that the Indian bowling attack had found a new leader for the long term.
1. Career-Best Spell on Bouncy Perth Pitch (6/56 vs Australia, Dec 2018)
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During the tour of Australia, on the challenging and bouncy pitch in Perth, Shami delivered the finest bowling performance of his Test career. In the second innings of the second Test of the series, he claimed 6 wickets for 56 runs, his best-ever figures in Test cricket. A single spell after lunch effectively broke the back of the Australian batting lineup. In this spell, he sent key batters like Usman Khawaja, Tim Paine, and Aaron Finch back to the pavilion.
Conclusion: End of a Glorious Era in Red-Ball Cricket
Mohammed Shami’s Test career is not merely a story of statistics; it is a testament to perseverance, fighting spirit, and the ability to conjure magic through his craft even in the most adverse conditions. Although he has bid farewell to the white jersey, Indian cricket fans will always remember his contributions and every lethal delivery he bowled for his country.
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