ICC World Cup: I'm bowling well because of Shoaib Akhtar, says Shami

Crediting Akhtar for bringing back rhythm in his bowling, Indian pacer has said the former Pakistan speedster advised him to shorten his run-up, which has helped him increase his pace

Perth: Crediting Shoaib Akhtar for bringing back rhythm in his bowling, Indian pacer Mohammad Shami has said the former Pakistan speedster advised him to shorten his run-up, which has helped him increase his pace.

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Shoaib Akhtar 

"The recent change in run-up has surely increased my pace. So I am continuing with it and hoping that it pays rich dividends. I had a chat with Shoaib (Akhtar) bhai and he suggested that I should reduce my big strides.

"I shortened my stride and it has worked. The new run-up is smooth and comfortable and it has also increased my pace," Shami said in a post-match chat on Star Sports.

Shami, who returned to action against West Indies after missing a game due to a niggle, bagged three wickets at the WACA to help table-toppers India register their fourth straight win and book a quarter-final berth from Pool B.

With the Men in Blue now in New Zealand for their final two league games, Shami is keen to carry on the good work without making any more changes to his action.

'Satisfied so far'
"I don't want to change much in my action. And most of the ex-players have advised me against making any major changes to my action.


Mohammad Shami. Pic/Getty Images 

"It is always a double edged sword to change one's action. It can work for you or go against you. I don't want go through this confusion and I am satisfied with the little change that I have made to my run-up," said the Bengal medium-pacer.

"I don't want to make much changes to my action or strategy in New Zealand as well. I am very happy with how things have panned out and will just focus on my line and length. I would like to continue my good work," he added.

Shami, who is India's leading wicket-taker in the World Cup so far with nine scalps in three games, said that after playing on different pitches around the world he loved the Perth experience. "I have enjoyed bowling in Perth because I was getting the bounce and carry."

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