Mohammed Shami Shows Hints of Consistency in Cricket World Cup Opener

India seamer Mohammed Shami came into the Cricket World Cup on the back of a difficult tour of Australia, where he struggled to find the right line and length all too frequently.

Especially in the Tests, the 24-year-old bowled too many bad balls that could be dispatched to the boundary, meaning that any pressure India built up was quickly dissipated.

He ended up with 15 wickets in the Tests, but they came at an expensive average of 35.80 and with an economy rate of well over four runs per over.

Then, in the Carlton Mid One-Day International Tri-Series, he struggled even more and took just two wickets in four games at an average of 49.

As such, Shami entered the World Cup under a little bit of pressure, having seemingly taken well to international cricket, but he hit a rough patch in his young career.

However, against Pakistan in the tournament opener for both sides, he showed exactly what he is capable of with 4-35 from nine overs, an economy rate of just 3.88 runs per over.

Three of his four wickets were of crucial Pakistani batsmen as they chased 301 to win, with Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq and the dangerous Shahid Afridi all perishing.

The manners of his dismissals were also encouraging, as Khan and Misbah were bounced out, and Afridi was forced to heave at a full toss and was caught brilliantly by Virat Kohli.

During the rest of his nine overs, Shami conceded just four boundary fours, apparently showing that he has turned the corner and is bowling less hittable balls.

One of his strengths has always been his accuracy, something that has served him well in the closing overs as he has shown a great ability to bowl at the death.

In addition, his ability to find reverse swing makes him a difficult proposition for batsmen to face, especially when the ball gets old.

Scott Barbour/Getty Images

In the game against Pakistan, he showed a willingness to lead the attack too, something that India have sorely missed since Zaheer Khan was eased out of the team.

His colleagues mostly appeared to struggle against their aggressive opponents, with every bowler except Shami and Mohit Sharma conceding more than five runs per over.

Shami made good use of the bouncer and by ensuring he kept his lines and lengths consistent, although his opponents did not make use of any wider balls when they came.

This display will certainly give him confidence, however, especially with a long way to go still in the World Cup.

India will also be given confidence by his display, as Zaheer’s heir apparent stepped up to the mark and helped his side take a vital win over their closest rivals.