I will never ever compromise on pace: Shami Ahmed

India's rising pace sensation Shami Ahmed feels cutting down on pace is one option he will never consider even though line and length, for him, are important aspects of fast bowling.

"For me, pace and swing are the two most important aspects of my bowling. I know that line and length is very important but I will never compromise on pace as it has been my biggest strength and has been a primary reason for reaching this level," Shami said during an interview today.

Ask him about the four consecutive maidens that he bowled on his ODI debut to create an Indian record, Shami answered, "I just tried to bowl according to the field that my captain had set for me. You don't plan such things but it happened for me and I am happy. I always had confidence in my ability and was willing to work hard."

Having made his debut in a low-scoring game against Pakistan, Shami said that he followed skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni's instructions to the tee.

"Dhoni bhai only told me not to get nervous and not deviate from the gameplan."

After the final one-dayer against England in Dharamsala, Dhoni felt that Shami has the pace but still needs to improve a lot before being considered for the longer version. Representing India in white flannels though, is the Bengal pacer's ultimate ambition.

"While playing Ranji Trophy, I have learnt that in days' cricket, you need patience. In one-dayers, you might try various things like slower, bouncer but in longer version, patience is the key. At this level, the batsmen who face you have a lot of quality and you need to be very persistent. You have to wait for batsmen to make mistakes."

A month-long stint with the Indian team having played five ODIs has definitely made him realize that he has the potential to don the national jersey for a long time.

... contd.

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