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I don't take any pressure when I go onto the field: Shami
Mohammad Shami, who troubled the Australian batsmen with his pace and swing in a career-best haul of three for 42, says he just concentrated on the basics, without indulging in anything extraordinary, in the abandoned fourth ODI in Ranchi, on Wednesday.
"I don't take any pressure when I go on to the field. I always believe in myself. I concentrate on my line and length and swing. I just try my best and work hard," Shami told reporters after the fourth ODI at the JSCA Stadium.
After a shaky start, Australia rode on breezy half-centuries from skipper George Bailey (98) and Glenn Maxwell (92) to post a challenging 295 for eight after being asked to bat.
But rain played spoilsport and the match was called off, with India on 27 for no loss after 4.1 overs, chasing Australia's competitive 295 for 8.
'The plan was just not to give any room to Finch'
Shami bowled Aaron Finch and Shane Watson with two typical in-swingers to provide India a rousing start. The Bengal pacer said the key to his success was not giving any room to the batsmen to play shots.
"Plan was just not to give any room to Finch, as he is playing well. We just kept our focus on that and wanted them to play as much as possible and we got success," he said.
He said he was lucky to bowl on a fresh wicket that generally offers swing and pace.
"There was nothing different in the pitch. We bowled first, so there's always help from a fresh wicket. There was no extraordinary carry or bounce in the wicket. It was going good before the rain. But it became slow after rain," he said.
'Speed is all about the conditions you have on offer'
Shami, who touched 140kph in his fiery spell, said his hard work outside the field is paying off.
"I'm just putting in extra effort on gym and training sessions. Speed is all about the conditions you have on offer," he said.
India were severely let down by six dropped catches, including two off Shami's bowling, but the bowler said missed chances are part of the game.
"It's part and parcel of the game. We try not to make any mistakes. Nobody drops a catch intentionally," he said.
Asked whether he has anything to offer as a batsman, he replied: "We have good batsmen in our team. But given a chance, I will try to showcase my talent."
On team selection, he said: "It's up to the team management. We always try to win a series. We don't think about whether to play or not. Whoever gets a chance gives his best."