Mohammed Shami announces retirement from Test cricket after 64 matches and 229 wickets

India fast bowler Mohammed Shami announced his retirement from Test cricket on Friday, 6 November, ending a 13-year career in the format, per The Tribune (ANI) and NewsX. This piece is as of the evening of 7 November.

The announcement

Shami made the announcement in a video on Instagram, thanking his parents, family, friends, coaches and fans, The Tribune reports. NewsX quotes the post as saying he was "saying goodbye to the white jersey" but not to its memories. The date matters to him: he received his Test cap, number 279, on 6 November 13 years earlier, per The Tribune. Hindustan Times says he debuted at Eden Gardens in Kolkata against the West Indies on 6 November 2013 and took nine wickets in the match; he was 23 then and is now 36.

The record

Shami played 64 Tests and took 229 wickets in 122 innings at an average of 27.71 and an economy rate of 3.30, according to ANI as carried by The Tribune and Asianet Newsable. His best figures were 6/56, with 12 four-wicket hauls and six five-wicket hauls, the same reports say. Hindustan Times points to the 2018 Adelaide Test, the first game of India's first Test series win in Australia, as one of his notable spells; he took 3/65 in the second innings there. ANI says his last Test was the 2021-23 World Test Championship final against Australia, which India lost by 209 runs; he took 2-122 and 2-39.

Reaction and what next

Shami said he will keep playing white-ball cricket, including the IPL and domestic matches, per ANI as carried by The Tribune and Asianet Newsable. Former India captain Mohammed Azharuddin told ANI that Shami's decision should be respected, but he found it surprising and thought Shami could have played the format longer. He said he hoped the BCCI would involve Shami in coaching the next generation of pacers, per Asianet Newsable.