Virat Kohli has called Mohammed Shami as one of the best pacers in the world after India registered a 113-run win in the first Test at Centurion against South Africa.
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The Indian cricket team ended 2021 on a historic note by winning the first Test against South Africa in Centurion. India has become the first Asian nation to win in South Africa’s fortress in Centurion. KL Rahul’s epic 123, combined with Mohammed Shami’s eight wickets gave India a brilliant 113-run win to go 1-0 up in the series. If Rahul was the star with the bat, then Shami along with the other pace bowlers contributed consistently to dent South Africa.
The Centurion Test was memorable for Mohammed Shami. Four years ago, he took his 100th wicket while playing at the venue. In 2021, he became the ninth-quickest Indian bowler to take 200 wickets. This included his sixth five-wicket haul and it was his second in South Africa. Indian skipper Virat Kohli hailed the performance of Shami, labeling him as one of the best bowlers in the world.
“The way these guys bowl together has been a hallmark of our team getting a result in difficult situations. Absolutely world-class talent (Shami). For me, he’s the best three seamers in the world at the moment. His strong wrist, his seam position, and his ability to hit a length consistently (is great),” Kohli said.
Read | Mohammed Shami in elite company after 200th Test wicket
India started off brilliantly in the first innings in Centurion. Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul’s fantastic partnership at the top laid the foundation for an excellent score. South Africa was not helped with their bowlers proving to be wayward and not able to utilize the early conditions. Kohli stated that the partnership between Rahul and Agarwal was the key in India dictating terms to South Africa.
“We have to understand one day was washed out. This shows how well we played. It’s always a difficult place to play against SA (Centurion). The discipline that the batters showed. Winning the toss, batting first overseas is a tough challenge. Credit to Mayank and KL for the way they set it up. We knew we were in pole position with anything over 300-320,” Kohli said.
The injury to Jasprit Bumrah in the first innings perhaps gave South Africa some relief. Kohli did point out that South Africa scored 40 runs more in that period. But, heading into the Johannesburg Test, India will be high on confidence. India has never lost in Johannesburg and it is a venue where India could clinch the series. “Got so much confidence out of Johannesburg last time. It’s a ground we love playing at,” Kohli said. The second Test will be played at the Wanderers on January 3.
