Mohammed Shami announces Test retirement after 13 years, remains available for white-ball cricket

Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has announced his retirement from Test cricket, bringing an end to his 13-year journey in the longest format. The 36-year-old made the announcement on Friday, November 6, through an emotional social media post, thanking his teammates, coaches, family, fans, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB).

Shami bows out of Test cricket with an impressive record of 229 wickets in 64 matches at an average of 27.71. His tally includes six five-wicket hauls, underlining his contribution to India's pace attack across different conditions.

Interestingly, the announcement came on the same date as his Test debut. Shami made his first appearance in the longest format against the West Indies at Kolkata's Eden Gardens on November 6, 2013, and completed 13 years in international Test cricket before calling time on his career.

Mohammed Shami's emotional retirement message

Announcing his decision, Shami shared an emotional message reflecting on his journey in the longest format and the memories associated with wearing the Indian Test jersey.

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"Safed jersey se vida le raha hoon, lekin usse judi yaadon se kabhi nahi… Jab pehli baar Bharat ki Test jersey pehni thi, tab sirf ek sapna tha — apne desh ke liye kuch kar dikhane ka," Shami wrote.

He further acknowledged the support he received throughout his career, thanking his teammates, coaches, family members and millions of Indian supporters who stood by him during difficult phases.

The right-arm pacer also expressed gratitude to the BCCI and the Cricket Association of Bengal for believing in his abilities and providing him with opportunities to represent the country.

From dream debut to 229 wickets

Shami made an immediate impact on his Test debut against the West Indies in 2013, claiming nine wickets in the match. His ability to generate pace, maintain an upright seam position and extract movement from the surface quickly established him as a key member of India's bowling attack.

Over the years, he delivered several memorable performances, particularly in overseas conditions. His best bowling figures in an innings remain 6/56 against Australia in Perth in 2018.

Shami also contributed with the bat on important occasions. One of his most memorable batting performances came during India's 2021 tour of England, when he scored an unbeaten 56 at Lord's. His partnership with Jasprit Bumrah helped India set up a memorable victory in the second Test.

His final appearance in the longest format came during the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval. Despite continuing to feature in domestic cricket for Bengal, Shami did not return to India's Test setup.

Shami to continue playing white-ball cricket

Shami's retirement from Test cricket does not mark the end of his professional cricketing career. The pacer is set to continue playing white-ball cricket, keeping the possibility of representing India in limited-overs formats alive.

He has also indicated his willingness to feature in first-class cricket when required, provided he remains fit.

With 229 Test wickets to his name, Shami leaves behind a significant legacy in Indian cricket. His ability to deliver with the new ball, extract reverse swing and trouble batters with the old ball made him one of India's most dependable fast bowlers in the longest format.