Cricket / Mohammed Shami bids farewell to Test cricket, ends 13-year journey

Mumbai, Nov 7: Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has announced his retirement from Test cricket, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable 13-year journey in the longest format of the game. The 36-year-old pacer represented India in 64 Test matches, picking up 229 wickets and establishing himself as one of the country's most dependable fast bowlers.

Shami made the announcement through a video posted on his Instagram account, bidding farewell to the whites while making it clear that his association with the memories and experiences of Test cricket would remain close to his heart.

The Amroha-born pacer from Uttar Pradesh featured in 64 Tests for India, claiming five wickets in an innings on five occasions. His best bowling figures were 6/56 against Australia in Perth in December 2018.

However, in recent times, Shami has remained out of the Indian team across formats, with recurring injuries taking a toll on his career. With limited opportunities to make a comeback to the Test squad, the experienced fast bowler appears to have decided to bring his red-ball career to an end.

"Hello everyone, I have come to share a very important message with you. It relates to me—to my personal journey. I am here to share this message with all of you. Today, I want to express my gratitude and say 'thank you' to a few people. First and foremost, I want to thank the Almighty—the One above has given me so much, far more than I could have ever imagined or thought possible," Shami said in his post.

He thanked his family, friends, coaches and support staff for standing by him throughout his successful Test career. He also expressed gratitude to everyone who had contributed in any way to his cricketing journey.

"Next, I want to thank my family, my friends, and everyone who has contributed, in any way, to this journey of mine. It has been a long journey—thirteen years—starting from such a small place," said Shami.

Reflecting on the challenges and hardships he encountered along the way, the fast bowler spoke about the determination that helped him overcome difficult phases of his career.

"I have worked incredibly hard and experienced many ups and downs. And now, today—on the 9th of November—I have reached this milestone. After overcoming so many challenges, these thirteen years have finally been completed. Throughout this thirteen-year journey, all these experiences have shaped me into the person I am today. Yes, there were ups and downs; I certainly fell, I got hurt, and I sustained injuries—but I always stood back up to face the challenge again. It has been a truly remarkable thirteen-year journey," said Shami.
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The 36-year-old pacer also acknowledged the contribution of the people who helped him maintain his fitness and performance throughout his career.

"And I must also thank my coaches, strength trainers, physiotherapists, and my entire support team. And to those who have contributed even a little, I would like to thank them— thank you, so, so, so, so much!" Shami said.

Shami made his Test debut against the West Indies on November 6, 2013, and played his last match in the longest format against Australia in June 2023.

At the domestic level, he represented Bengal in the Ranji Trophy and also featured for the East Zone in zonal cricket.
(With inputs from IANS)