Shami acknowledges India’s edge in Dubai conditions

India’s ace pacer Mohammed Shami has acknowledged that playing all their matches at one venue in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy has been beneficial, as the team secured a place in the final after a four-wicket victory over Australia in the semi-final on Tuesday.

India, which refused to travel to Champions Trophy hosts Pakistan due to political tensions, has played all four of its matches at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, while the other seven teams have had to shuttle between three cities in Pakistan and the UAE.

“It definitely helped us because we know the conditions and the behaviour of the pitch,” Shami said after finishing with figures of 3-48 against Australia. “It is a plus point that you are playing all the matches at one venue.”

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir dismissed criticism that playing at a single venue gave his side an unfair advantage, insisting that external factors should not overshadow the team's performance.

India will now face either South Africa or New Zealand in Sunday’s final, again in Dubai, where they remain unbeaten in 10 ODIs, winning nine.

Call for saliva return in ODIs

Shami, 34, who was instrumental in India’s campaign with a five-wicket haul against Bangladesh in their opening match, also called for the return of saliva to shine the ball in ODIs, a practice banned permanently by the ICC in 2022 following the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We are trying to reverse, but you are not getting the use of saliva into the game,” said Shami. “We are constantly appealing to allow the use of saliva, and it will be interesting with the reverse swing.”

The use of saliva helps pacers achieve late swing, which can be a potent weapon in the final overs of an ODI match. At present, bowlers are only allowed to use sweat to shine the ball.

Shami dismisses fitness concerns

Concerns over Shami’s fitness arose when he briefly left the field in the group-stage match against Pakistan. However, the pacer put those worries to rest with two matches in three days, bowling his full quota of 10 overs against Australia.

“I am trying to get my rhythm back and contribute more for the team,” he said. “I am ready to bowl long spells.”

Gambhir hailed Shami as a “world-class performer,” commending his dedication and work ethic.

“He's phenomenal, and the hunger he brings to the table, the way he trains, the way he practises — that’s why you see all these results,” said Gambhir.