Mohammed Shami Retires From Test Cricket After 64 Matches and 229 Wickets

India fast bowler Mohammed Shami announced his retirement from Test cricket on November 6, ending a career of 64 matches and 229 wickets. The 36-year-old made the announcement on his verified Instagram account. He took six five-wicket hauls during his Test career. Shami wrote, in a translated message: "I am saying goodbye to the white jersey, but never to its memories." He said every wicket, struggle, injury and comeback had taught him something, and described leaving the format with a heavy heart and many beautiful memories. He thanked his teammates, coaches, family and Indian supporters for backing him through good and difficult periods, as well as the Board of Control for Cricket in India and Cricket Association of Bengal for trusting his talent and giving him opportunities. Shami made his Test debut against West Indies in 2013. Among his performances in South Africa was a second-innings return of 5/28 in Johannesburg in 2018, helping India win that Test. On India's next South Africa tour, he took eight wickets in the opening Test at Centurion, another Indian victory. His final Test appearance came against Australia in the 2023 ICC World Test Championship Final. Injuries interrupted parts of his career. In his farewell message, Shami said his pride in representing India remained even though his final delivery in Test cricket might already have been bowled.