Why Mohammad Shami is the weak link in the Indian Test bowling line-up

#4 Strike rate

England v India: Specsavers 2nd Test - Day Three

As mentioned earlier, Shami bowled 173 overs in the series which translates to 1038 balls picking up 16 wickets. His strike rate is about 65 balls per wicket.

The other fast bowlers bowled 308 overs (1848 balls) in the series picking up 35 wickets. Their strike rate is 53 balls per wicket. This means that Shami needs to bowl two overs (12 balls) more than the rest of the pack to pick up a wicket.

Shami's stats, when compared with the man he kept out of the side, Umesh Yadav (strike rate 48 balls per wicket) are again not up to the mark.