Mohammed Shami retires from Test cricket after 64 matches and 229 wickets

Fast bowler Mohammed Shami has retired from Test cricket after a 13-year career, announcing the decision in an Instagram video on Friday, November 6. He finishes with 229 wickets in 64 Tests at an average of 27.71, including six five-wicket hauls.

The date was chosen with care. Shami made his Test debut against the West Indies at Eden Gardens on November 6, 2013, and he held up his Test cap, number 279, as he spoke. “I started on this day, and today I am concluding it,” he said.

“I am bidding farewell to the white jersey, but never to the memories associated with it,” Shami said. He closed with the words “Thank you, Test Cricket,” and thanked the BCCI and the Cricket Association of Bengal: “Your support and trust will always remain special to me.”

A debut to remember

Shami’s first Test was an immediate success. He took 4 for 71 and 5 for 47 as India beat the West Indies by an innings and 51 runs. Over the years he became a mainstay of the seam attack, with a best of 6 for 56.

One of his best-known days with the bat came at Lord’s in August 2021, when he made an unbeaten 56 off 70 balls and put on 89 for the ninth wicket with Jasprit Bumrah. India declared at 298 for 8, then bowled England out for 120 to win by 151 runs.

The last Test and what next

His final Test was the 2021-23 World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval, where he took 2 for 122 and 2 for 39 in a 209-run defeat. Injuries kept him out of the Test side after that.

Shami will continue in white-ball cricket, including the IPL and domestic matches, and may also turn out in domestic cricket to stay fit.