Sri Lanka vs India 2017: Five talking points from the Test series

#5 The shimmering Shami show

Shami was at his deadly best throughout the series

Any human anywhere will blossom in hundred unexpected talents and capacities, simply by being given the opportunity to do so: Doris Lessing

We are always so focused with those holding the willow that we sometimes forget that it's the 20 wickets from those with the ball that eventually win you the Test series.

Mohammed Shami outdid himself on this tour and that too on dead, non-seaming and dry pitches. He stood out throughout the series and not only justified his place in the side, but stamped his authority all over it.

The man from Uttar Pradesh played in all three matches of the series and picked up 10 wickets at an incredible bowling average, giving away just 2.90 runs per over. He might not have a fifer to show from this series, but he showed why he is the best pacer India have in the longest format of the game.

He banged the ball in. He bowled at an average speed of over 140 kmph. He pressurized the batsmen. He created opportunities. He swung the ball. He disturbed the woodwork. He claimed wickets.

In his free time, he put smiles on the faces of young ball boys.

The 27-year-old's accuracy has never been questioned, but this series showed that he can breathe fire through some serious pace. He will be India's frontline bowler in the overseas tours to come and hopefully he stays injury-free through the same.