West Indies conditions will be similar to India: Shami

Medium pacer Mohammed Shami, who earned a recall to the Test side for the upcoming tour to the West Indies next month, on Tuesday said it is more important to focus on line and length as the Caribbean conditions are now similar to the subcontinent.

"I have played there earlier and I haven't found them (the wickets) to be that different. They are almost similar to India. Yes, in earlier times we would hear that the wicket is bouncy and all that but now the wickets are similar to those in Asia," Shami was quoted as saying by bcci.tv.

"So there is no need to be excited as a fast bowler that you will get bounce and carry. According to me it is important to focus on line and length."

The Bengal pacer was sidelined for almost a year after undergoing a knee surgery. He was in the squad for the ICC World T20 but did not play any matches.

A few days back Shami was involved in India's first pink-ball game at the Eden Gardens.

Speaking about his experience with the pink ball, the 26-year-old said: "This was the first pink ball game and I was (also) preparing for bowling in the days (multi-day) match, (and) how that will work out. In the game, I took five wickets (in Bhowanipore team's first innings). I bowled a 15-over spell and I felt good (that I could do that).

Shami also pointed out the difference between the red and the pink ball.

"The red ball stops moving after some time, but we saw that the pink ball was moving all the time. We saw in the first innings that it was moving through all the 90-95 overs," he said.

"The other thing is that we play with the red ball during the day while this was a day-night game; the last two sessions are under lights so that too plays a role in the movement of the ball."

The pacer also said he was excited to join the team and would try and give his best in the tour.

I'm very excited to join the team. I'm thinking about the preparation. I just played a pink ball match and I am feeling good that I am able to bowl normally, like I used to earlier," he said.

Asked about his preparations, he said: "I have played there before. I have an idea of the conditions and one will have to be prepared (to utilise those). The main preparation should be for getting your line and length perfect for the wickets there (as per what suits those wickets)."

Shami added he enjoys reverse swing and said he would want to continue doing that in the tour.

"Yes, it is an art like you said. And I enjoy bowling all the more when my ball starts to reverse. So I do wait for the time when the ball will start reversing and then we maintain it (the ball) and start using it," he said.

"And once it starts reversing (getting the) line and length (right) is very important. And that is what I try to maintain, my line and length."

--IANS

dd/tri/bg