‘One of the best bowlers India has had’ – Madan Lal hails Mohammed Shami as he retires from Test cricket

The 36‑year‑old pacer Mohammed Shami has chosen to retire from Test cricket, ending a long period without international selection, although he has continued to deliver consistently in domestic competition.
Former Indian cricketer Madan Lal commented on Saturday, expressing his admiration for Shami’s contributions to the national side. He recognised that the bowler had built an excellent Test record and deserved another year of service. Lal noted that Shami had been waiting two or three months for a Test recall, but the opportunity never materialised.

“Absolutely, it has been a very good career because, look, if a pacer has played 67 Test matches and taken 229 wickets, it shows that his career has been excellent, and he has also won matches for India on several occasions. So, look, what was happening that he had been waiting for two or three months, thinking maybe they would pick him for the Test matches, but they hadn’t picked him yet. So, I think he must have thought that it’s high time to say goodbye,” Lal said.

Shami’s strong performances in the Ranji Trophy confirm his continued prowess at the highest level of Indian domestic cricket. However, the absence of a Test selection, which he had been anticipating for months, led him to decide to step away from international cricket. His final Test appearance came in the 2023 ICC World Test Championship Final against Australia.

Lal also acknowledged Shami’s consistent domestic output and his desire for a final Test test. He urged team management to have considered Shami for selection over the past year and to have retained him should his form have remained robust.

“He was performing well in the Ranji Trophy as well. He was taking wickets, so he was thinking maybe he would get one more chance, but he hasn’t gotten it yet. However, for the past year, I understand he should have been playing. Later on, if his performance was good, they should have continued with him, but now that he has retired, nothing can be said because it is his own decision, but definitely, he is one of the best bowlers India has had,” Lal added.

Shami’s final Test cap came in the 2023 ICC World Test Championship Final against Australia, marking the last Test appearance for the former pacer before his decision to retire.

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