With Shami in tow, we'll have a potent attack in SA: Ashwin

Pacer Mohammad Shami's dream Test debut of nine-wicket haul against the West Indis here will ensure that India will head for South Africa tour next month with a lethal bowling attack, off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin said today.
"More than any ability or talent in a bowler, I think wickets are very important at the back to go into any series. He just got a lovely nine wicket haul on debut here," Ashwin said after Shami's fiery bowling helped India wrap up the first Test against the West Indies in three days here.
"I hope he carries on and forms a potent attack with the senior bowlers. We are definitely forming a potent attack with the SA series coming up," he said.

Such was Shami's penetration with the reverse swing that he bowled out six Windies batsmen from the nine dismissals as India registered a innings and 51 runs victory to go 1-0 up in the two-match farewell series of Sachin Tendulkar.
Showering praise on Shami, Ashwin said the young pacer eased pressure off him at the other end.
"He bowled really well. He got the ball to reverse pretty late. Definitely, it's like half the job done when the seamer gets through the tail and take wickets in between. I think he bowled with some good pace and got the ball to move in late. I'm really happy for him," Ashwin, who returned with a five-wicket haul, added.

Ashwin, who himself hit a career-best 124 in India's first innings, offered a tip to the Windies batters to tackle the reverse swing.
"It's all about getting used to play the reverse swings. Early on, when it came into being nobody knew how to play and what it was all about. Maybe it's just about watching out the ball and play it late.