New Delhi: Pacer Shami Ahmed attributed, on Monday, his success in the third India-Pakistan ODI on Sunday – his debut – to the tips he received from former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram and India opener Gautam Gambhir.
The 22-year-old from Bengal made a promising debut, taking 1-23 in nine overs, with four maidens.
“The small things that he’s (Akram) taught me have made me a better bowler. Things like bowling with the old ball, reversing it and maintaining it, which line to bowl when you’re trying to reverse-swing the ball. He’s taught me a lot when it comes to using the white ball,” Shami said of the Pakistan legend.
Akram’s tips proved to be handy as Shami bowled a crucial 48th over, helping India win the match by 10 runs.
About Gambhir, Shami said the left-hander explained to him the importance of bowling the right line and length to an opening batsman.
“As an opening batsman, Gauti Bhai (Gambhir) keeps telling me what a new ball should do to trouble the batsman.
“Every time I bowl to him in the nets (at KKR) he doesn’t only concentrate on his batting. He makes it a point to give me honest feedback on every delivery, which helps me improve,” Shami was quoted as saying.
The bowler was also disciplined enough not to bowl a wide or no ball. (PTI)