India pacer Mohammed Shami had credited his love for cricket for helping him overcome a spate of personal issues in recent months.
Shami was the most impressive of India’s pacers in the opening day of their first Test against England at Birmingham. The India man picked up a three-wicket haul as England were bowled out for 287 runs in their first innings.
Since India’s tour of South Africa earlier this year, Shami has seen himself be accused of multiple offences by his wife Hasin Jahan ranging from domestic violence to match-fixing allegations. He was subsequently dropped for the one-off Test against Afghanistan in June after failing the Yo-Yo fitness test. In between, the pacer also suffered a car accident where he sustained minor injuries.
Speaking to the media after his excellent first day at Edgbaston on Wednesday, Shami expressed his delight at getting back to doing what he does best.
“(The tour of) South Africa was a long time ago and there have been some off field issues after that. I had to fight a lot in between but my effort was that I have to keep doing what I love most and what is most important to me (cricket),” said the 28-year-old.
Shami was the most impressive of India’s pacers on Wednesday.
“I wanted to just keep doing my job and then see what happens to the rest of the stuff in my life. Whatever difficulties I face, first I wanted to play cricket and keep doing it. The result is in front of us.
“As a bowling unit and as an individual I am very happy today. This is the thing I have worked hard for and we have been able to bring it forward successfully.
“There are ups and downs in life and in your family. But when playing for your country there is a responsibility and when you do that job properly, I think that’s the best thing. So I am very happy with today.”
