An Unforgettable 56* at Lord's, 2021
Arguably Shami's finest hour with the bat came on a tense final day at the home of cricket. India started Day 5 of the second Test against England with a lead of 154 runs, but the quick loss of Rishabh Pant and Ishant Sharma left them reeling at 209 for
eight. The lead was just 182, and an English victory seemed the most likely outcome. However, what followed was a passage of play that turned the match on its head. Shami joined Jasprit Bumrah at the crease, and together they forged an astonishing, unbeaten ninth-wicket partnership of 89 runs. Facing a barrage of short-pitched bowling and verbal volleys, the pair didn't just survive; they dominated. Shami was the aggressor, playing some glorious strokes. He brought up his second Test half-century in spectacular fashion, launching spinner Moeen Ali for a huge six over the mid-wicket boundary. He finished on 56 not out, his highest Test score, as India declared at 298 for eight, setting England a target of 272 in 60 overs. The momentum had completely shifted. Buoyed by their batting heroics, the Indian pacers, including Shami and Bumrah, skittled England for just 120, sealing a historic 151-run victory.
Maiden Fifty in a Record Stand at Nottingham, 2014
Seven years before his Lord's heroics, Shami gave England a preview of his batting ability during the first Test at Trent Bridge. In India's first innings, the team suffered a lower-order collapse, slumping from a strong position to 346 for nine. With the innings on the verge of ending, Shami, whose previous best Test score was just 11, joined Bhuvneshwar Kumar. What happened next was a masterclass in tail-end defiance. The pair added a remarkable 111 runs for the tenth wicket, a record for India against England at the time. While Kumar was patient, Shami was more attacking, playing his shots with a confidence that defied his position at number 11. He reached his maiden Test fifty in memorable style, hitting James Anderson for a straight six. He finished unbeaten on 51 from just 81 balls. This incredible partnership pushed India’s total to 457, taking the game away from England and ultimately ensuring the match ended in a draw. It was a stunning effort that showed Shami was not to be underestimated with the bat.
A Spirited Cameo Against Australia, 2023
While not a half-century, Shami's knock against Australia in Nagpur during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy was a perfect example of his ability to score quick, momentum-shifting runs. India had already secured a healthy first-innings lead, but at 328 for eight, they were looking to maximise their advantage. Shami walked in to join Axar Patel and immediately went on the attack. Instead of just supporting the set batsman, Shami decided to take the lead, launching an assault on the Australian bowlers. In a partnership of 52 runs for the ninth wicket, Shami was the dominant force. He blasted 37 runs from just 47 balls, an innings that included two fours and three massive sixes. His aggressive display demoralised the opposition and pushed India's total to 400. This gave India a colossal first-innings lead of 223, which proved decisive. India went on to win the match by an innings and 132 runs, and Shami's explosive cameo played a crucial role in breaking Australia's spirit and setting up the comprehensive victory.
