Its all about preparations, says Shami

Mohammed Shami credited preparation and execution after leading LSG to a five-wicket win over SRH. SRH coach James Franklin said the team was caught off guard by the pitch, as batters struggled against pace-off deliveries

Hyderabad: Lucknow Super Giants star fast bowler Mohammed Shami said that it was all about preparation and bowling in the right areas.

Shami, who bowled an impressive spell of 4-0-9-2 to star in LSG’s five-wicket win against Sunrisers Hyderabad here on Sunday, said that the whole idea was not to bowl in the ‘zone’ for the home team batters and to stick to that widish length.

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“The focus was on taking pace off against the SRH batters. So, it was about executing the game plan,” Shami informed the media after the match.

“Definitely, a lot depends on how much effort you put in to get the results. And also on the given day, especially how well the plans are executed, I repeat,” he said.

“Having played across India, we all know how a pitch generally behaves in a particular centre,” Shami said.

“I am glad with my performance and it is about always trying to give my best,” he said.

For his part, SRH pace bowling coach James Franklin said they were caught off guard by the pitch. “Our batters struggled with the pace off, lost quick wickets,” he added.

“They bowled beautifully in the powerplay and full credit to them,” he said.

Questioned whether focus would be more on spin with the star fast bowler Pat Cummins not fit for the next couple of games too, Franklin said that he didn’t think so. “We have some quality pacers like Unadkat, Harshal and Malinga. Yes, the two spinners Harsh and Shivang bowled beautifully today. Yes, they will be playing a key role,” he said. “It is a huge credit to our bowling attack to take the game to the penultimate ball of the chase,” he added.