Mohd Shami finished Day 1 with figures of 2/55 off 17 overs.
The Indian bowlers finally gave their fans and the team management some reason to cheer as they chipped in with hard-working spells to send back half the Australian team back to the pavillion on the opening day of the third Test at Melbourne. Although, Ishant Sharma could not get amongst the wickets, India ensured Australia did not get away easy thanks to the efforts of Mohammed Shami(2/55), Umesh Yadav (2/69) and Ravichandran Ashwin(1/60). Steve Smith's side ended the day at a precarious 259/5.
Speaking at the press conference at the end of day's play, Mohd Shami said the bowlers executed the plans that they had laid out quite effectively. The 25-year-old also added that they will look to attack the Australians early on Day 2 and wrap up their innings as soon as possible.
"Throughout the series, our intention has been to bowl to a plan, to bowl line and length," said Shami. "But plans don't always work out. Sometimes, it isn't the bowlers' day, so the line and length goes awry. Sometimes, you don't get wickets or give away runs even when you bowl well. The focus was on line and length, and I am glad that today we did that."
Shami wasn't always at his best on the opening day, but he helped India's cause with two important wickets, that of Chris Rogers and Shaun Marsh. The regular fall of wickets countered Steve Smiths half-century to help India restrict the hosts.
"My effort was to focus on line and length in the morning," said Shami. "If a bowler can achieve that, then there is nothing difficult for him. I didn't focus on pace because the conditions weren't right and I only do that when I get help from the pitch. Otherwise, I focus on line and length. It is great if one end is held tight, then you can attack from the other end. Ashwin did that very well and I was able to attack from the other end. We will come out to bowl Australia out early. If we can finish their innings in the morning session, then that will be good for us," he said.
"We have to bowl as a unit. Ishant was unlucky but he bowled really well. He has taken wickets earlier in the series so it's not like he isn't in form or is bowling badly. He is bowling well, and we have to support each other," he added.
The right-armer was off the field for a bit towards the end of the day raising concerns over a possible injury. However, Shami returned to bowl the last over of the day and later confirmed that there were no fitness concerns.
There is no question on my fitness. Niggles keep happening on the field all the time. There is no problem, as such. I just strained my left thigh and went out to avoid any injury. I stretched and came back to bowl the last over. I am fine now and will be bowling on Saturday, he said.
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