Mohammed Shami was instrumental in giving India the edge against New Zealand on Day Five of the World Test Championship final, becoming the first Indian to bag a four-wicket haul in ICC finals. It could have been a five-for, but Shami does not want to think about personal statistics. “When you play for India, you have no such regrets. You can't think about personal milestones,” he said.

A captain's go-to bowler, the veteran speedster is happy that he has been able to perform his duty in an effective manner.

“Whenever I have been entrusted with responsibility, I have put in my whole hearted effort. Whatever be situation, I know what captain wants and then I follow his instructions. I have always been an attacking bowler who goes for wickets,” he said.

“Back-up runs” priority for India

India would set the Black Caps a target only after getting enough “back-up runs” on the final day, Shami said, hinting that the team would adopt a ‘safety first’ approach. India were 64 for 2 at stumps on the fifth day with a 32-run lead. Skipper Virat Kohli and seasoned Cheteshwar Pujara were at the crease.

“We have lost a lot of time due to rain. So there is no discussion as such, on a total. We have just started our second innings and we need to put runs on the board,” said Shami.

“We have to score as many as possible and then see how much time is left to put them in and decide accordingly.

“In conditions like England, anything can happen but we simply can't have a pre-plan in mind that we can get them out in this many overs. You need time to get 10 wickets and some solid plans in place. But first, we need enough back-up runs,” Shami said, which meant that Indians won't mind a draw in current circumstances.