Mohammed Shami rises to 7 in the ICC Test rankings, becomes third-highest Indian pacer

Indian pacer Mohammed Shami was a vital cog in the Indian bowling lineup as they won the first Test against Bangladesh in merely three days of play. Shami is now seventh in the ICC Test Bowler rankings with 790 points. He picked up seven wickets against the Bangladeshi side in the first Test.

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The best pacer in the world?

Mohammed Shami has been one of India's most effective bowlers since his debut in 2013. Shami, who now has 173 Test wickets, rose to number 7 on the ICC Bowler rankings for bowlers. He is now sitting on 790 points which are the third-highest number of Rating Points to be earned by an Indian pacer. World cup-winner Kapil Dev and Shami's teammate Jasprit Bumrah are the only two players to have earned more points in the Indian pace bowling department. Dev has earned 877 points and Bumrah has earned 832. 

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When one of the 2000s' best bowlers, South African Dale Steyn, was asked about his favourite pacer in current world cricket, he replied that it was Shami. 

Shami acknowledges tactical freedom

In a post-match interview, Shami talked about his seven-wicket haul in the first Test against Bangladesh. Shami credited his success with the ball to the freedom that he is given by captain Virat Kohli and the coach Ravi Shastri. Shami's contribution with the ball was vital in not letting Bangladesh get any momentum whatsoever. 

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India defeated Bangladesh in the first Test at Indore by an innings and 130 runs. The massive victory came after Bangladesh captain Mominul Haque won the toss and chose to bat first. After Bangladesh got cleaned up for 150, the Indians were led by Mayank Agarwal's 243 to reach 493 in their first innings. Bangladesh could only manage 213 in their second innings and fell quickly because of Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, and Ravichandran Ashwin's excellent work with the ball.

India will now face Bangladesh in the second Test at Eden Gardens on November 22.

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