Manoj Tiwary tribute recalls Shami's Bengal days after Test farewell

A Manoj Tiwary tribute to Mohammed Shami recalled their years together in Bengal cricket after the India fast bowler announced his Test retirement on Friday. The former Bengal captain posted his appreciation on X, joining others in recognising Shami's contribution to the format.

Tiwary remembered having Shami available in his bowling attack while leading the state side. He described the pacer as a determined competitor whose performances would remain part of cricket supporters' memories.

Shami confirmed his decision through an Instagram post, saying he would continue playing white-ball cricket. His Test career ended with 229 wickets from 64 appearances, including six five-wicket innings.

Eden Gardens debut and overseas performances remembered

The Manoj Tiwary tribute followed a career that began against the West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on November 6, 2013. Shami finished with a Test bowling average of 27.71.

His performances in South Africa featured prominently in the account of his career. At Johannesburg during the 2018 tour, he took 5/28 in the second innings as India won the final Test of the series.

On a later tour of South Africa, he took eight wickets in the opening Test at Centurion. Across 35 appearances in South Africa, the West Indies and India, his combined return was 131 wickets at an average below 25.

In his retirement message, Shami reflected on the significance of representing India in whites. He linked his journey to the lessons he had drawn from wickets, setbacks, injuries and subsequent returns.

Former teammates, other cricketers and IPL franchises also acknowledged his red-ball career. Tiwary's message added a personal Bengal connection to those wider tributes, focusing on the memories of captaining a side with Shami in its attack.

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