'Hard work' key to sensational return for Mohammed Shami

Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami, who marked his return to Test cricket with four wickets against West Indies in the first Test in Antigua, has described 'hard work' as his key to success, while adding that he is feeling up to the mark at the moment.

Shami, along with Umesh Yadav, tore apart West Indies' batting line-up as the Caribbean side were bundled out for 243 in their first innings before being asked to follow on. India had declared their first innings on 566-8.

"Also in the same period, I had put on about 15 kgs. I resumed my training and worked really hard in the NCA and then during the preparation camp. I felt that today, I could carry on from where I had left. I didn't feel like there was any extra load. Today, I felt I bowled the same manner that I used to," Shami was quoted as saying by BCCI.tv.

Reflecting on the team's strategy, the 26-year-old said his side's plan was to bowl at a consistent spot for long and to bowl short delivery, which could fetch them wickets.

"We had batted on this wicket and knew that it was a slow wicket. The plan was to bowl at a consistent spot for long periods of time and that is why we were successful," he said.

Shami, who has been out of international cricket since injuring his knee in World Cup 2015, further said he is ready to take up any challenge thrown at him by skipper Virat Kohli.

"It depends on the captain and on the situation. I always think of ways to help my team in any given circumstances. I have pace and swing so my captain can use me at any juncture. I can also get the ball to reverse, so I can bowl with the old ball too," added Shami.

With the sensational comeback, Shami also became the 15th Indian pacer to take 51 wickets in Test cricket. He also he equalled Venkatesh Prasad's record as the fastest Indian pacer to reach 50 wickets in 13 Tests and 24 innings.

At the end of the third day, West Indies were at 21-1, with Rajendra Chandrika and Darren Bravo remaining unbeaten at their respective scores of nine and ten.