Kolkata, Nov 6 (IANS) Indian pacer Mohammad Shami, who Wednesday made a dream Test debut against the West Indies at the Eden Gardens, dedicated his performance to cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, playing his farewell series.
The Bengal player also said the change of ball after the 40th over helped him in extracting more movement and swing.
“My biggest achievement is that Sachin is with me. So, I would dedicate my performance to him as well as my family whose support enabled me to be what I am today,” Shami, 23, told the media after taking 4/71 to enable India to skittle the visitors out for 234.
Talking about his performance in the match in which he took the wickets of opener Kieran Powell, top-scorer Marlon Samuels, Denesh Ramdin and tailender Sheldon Cottrell, Shami said he was happy to have done the job he was expected to for his team.
“I stick to the basics and their batsman played too many shots which made my job easier.” he said.
“The first ball was softer and I wasn’t able to get much swing. Once the ball was changed, it started swinging and reversing. It was a great feeling to bowl with the changed ball,” said Shami.
Shami, from Sahaspur village in Uttar Pradesh’s Moradabad district, said it would have been impossible for him to be a cricketer without his family’s support.
The son of a peasant, Shami shifted to Kolkata in 2006-07 for better opportunities.
“Cricket has no place from where I belong. My mother always used to back me. Except for a school ground, there is no infrastructure. It was because of my family that I am what I am today,” said Shami, adding his father and brothers were all pacers though they never got the opportunity to showcase their skills on a big stage.
He also expressed happiness on making his debut before his adopted home ground, the Eden Gardens, as well as getting an opportunity to play alongside Tendulkar.
“It’s a double delight for me, making my Test debut on my home ground as well as getting to play with Tendulkar. After playing for India in limited overs cricket, I wanted to play in Test matches and am very happy to have made my Test debut here,” said Shami.
“While all the wickets are important, but my debut wicket (Powell) is more important as it gave me more happiness,” added Shami.