Shami makes best debut by Indian pacer in 46 years

It’s a big moment when you win your first Test cap and Shami Ahmed must have been over the top getting picked for the match against West Indies at his home ground Eden Gardens. To make matters more interesting, he was awarded the cap by Ishant Sharma — the man who he has replaced after a good showing in the recent ODI series against Australia. As Shami Ahmed becomes a household name, here are some must-know facts about India’s latest Test player: - Shami’s 4/71 is the best performance by an Indian bowler on his Test debut in 46 years. He could not better Syed Abid Ali’s 6/55 in 1967 against Australia. Incidentally, they both bowled the same number of overs and maidens during these innings (17 overs, two maidens). [caption id=“attachment_1214169” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  4/71 was exactly what Venkatesh Prasad managed in his first Test innings. BCCI[/caption] - 4/71 was exactly what Venkatesh Prasad managed in his first Test innings — however he got in 28 overs — 11 more than Shami. - His are also the best figures by an Indian paceman on debut on the opening day since Mohammed Nissar’s 5/93 at Lords way back in 1932. - Shami’s rise to the Indian Test team has been rapid. He has played just 18 first-class matches , taking 71 wickets at an average of 26.74 and 38 List A matches. His induction into the ODI team was even faster — after just 15 first-class and 15 List A matches. Report: Hometown hero Shami cuts Windies down to size Quote: You'll also see Shami bowl delivery that reverses away - Coach From Eden Gardens: How Tendulkar milked the crowd at Eden Gardens - In last year’s Ranji Trophy season, he took 28 wickets at an average of 21.35. - His ODI debut may not have been flush with wickets, but it was quite a memorable one — it was against Pakistan and he gave away just 23 runs in nine overs, taking one wicket and bowling a phenomenal four maidens. It was a low-scoring affair with Pakistan needing just 168 to win before they tumbled for 157. - His first ODI wicket was Saeed Ajmal and his first Test scalp Kieran Powell. - Shami is just 23 years old and plays for the Bengal Ranji team. In the IPL, he plays for Kolkata Knight Riders but managed to take just one wicket in three matches. He gave away 78 runs in the nine overs he bowled.