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MANCHESTER, AFP: Mohammed Shami has given Indian team bosses a “good headache” after replacing fellow paceman Bhuvneshwar Kumar and taking four wickets, the team's bowling coach said on Wednesday. Shami claimed a hat-trick in India's narrow win over minnows Afghanistan on Saturday as the two-time champions stayed unbeaten to close in on a semi-final spot.
But the paceman's place in the starting line-up will not be certain once Kumar, who sat out the Afghanistan game with a hamstring strain and was expected to miss two or three matches, regains full fitness.
Virat Kohli's India take on struggling West Indies in Manchester on Thursday, and bowling coach Bharat Arun said the make-up of the team would depend on conditions.
“Bhuvneshwar's injury is not of any great concern. It is just a niggle, which we didn't want to take a chance on,” Arun said.
“And it was also an opportunity for us to plug Shami into the games. But the fact he's done exceptionally well, goes well for us. It's an embarrassment of riches.
“And we would take a call as per the conditions, but Bhuvi (Bhuvneshwar) has done exceptionally well, so I think it's a pretty good headache to have.” The 28-year-old Shami is back at the top of his game after dealing with weight issues, injury and a legal quarrel with his estranged wife over the past two years.
He returned figures of 4-40 in Southampton and ended the Afghanistan innings with a hat-trick after being given the responsibility to bowl the final over.
India are familiar with the West Indies, with many of the Caribbean team playing in the Indian Premier League.
“They (West Indies batsmen) do have their strengths. And also it's a big challenge for the bowlers too – especially when they come after you,” said Arun.
“But whenever batsmen come after you, if you're willing to look at it deeply, there is a chance in it for the bowlers, and I think that's what the bowlers would be looking to do."
