SA vs IND 2021: We need at least 350 or 400 runs – Mohammed Shami on Team India’s declaration

India’s gun fast bowler Mohammed Shami has revealed that the team will look to get a lead of 350 to 400 runs in the opening Test match against South Africa at SuperSport, Centurion in the second innings.

The visitors currently have a lead of 146 runs and have nine wickets in hand. India had posted a par score of 327 runs in the first innings after Virat Kohli decided to bat first and then they were able to shot out South Africa at 197, thereby getting a lead of 130 runs.

Meanwhile, Mohammed Shami was the pick of the Indian bowlers as he made great use of the helpful conditions. Shami, who has one of the best seam positions in the world, was right on the money and breathed down the neck of the Proteas batters with his line and length.

Shami scalped his sixth wicket-haul as he accounted for Aiden Markram, Keegan Peterson, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma, and Kagiso Rabada. The right-arm fast bowler also took his 200th Test wicket and became the fifth Indian fast bowler to reach the milestone after Kapil Dev, Javagal Srinath, Zaheer Khan, and Ishant Sharma.

Speaking after the end of the third day’s play in Centurion, Shami opined: “Two days are left in the Test match, I feel we should be batting the maximum amount of time tomorrow. If we score around 250 runs and set a target of about 400 runs for South Africa we can then allow South Africa to bat for four sessions. But for that, we need at least 350 or 400 odd runs.”

However, the second day’s play was completely washed out due to rain and the forecast for the final day of the Test match is also not promising.

On the other hand, Shami gave credit to his father for playing an instrumental role in the success of his career.

“No player can ever imagine what he can do in the future. Your motive or dream is to play for India, hard work is your hand and if you work hard you get the desired results. For my success, I want to give credit to my father. I am from a village where there are no facilities and my father used to send me to play cricket 30 km far from our village. My father and brother had backed and I am here only because of them.”

Shami returned with impressive figures of 5-44 and it played a key role in skittling South Africa at 197. Furthermore, Jasprit Bumrah had suffered an ankle sprain and thus it was crucial for Shami to step up his game.