The 36-year-old Indian fast bowler ends his red-ball career with 229 wickets, six five-wicket hauls and a lasting legacy in international cricket.

Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has announced his retirement from Test cricket, bringing an end to a distinguished career in the longest format of the game.

The 36-year-old confirmed his decision through a post on Instagram, closing a chapter that established him as one of India’s most dependable pace bowlers.

Shami finished his Test career with 229 wickets in 64 matches, including six five-wicket hauls, making him India’s sixth-most successful fast bowler in the format.

He made his Test debut against the West Indies in 2013 and quickly became an important member of India’s pace attack, particularly because of his ability to generate seam movement and swing with both the new and old ball.

Of his 229 wickets, 145 came in 41 away Tests at an average of 30.33. At home, he claimed 76 wickets at an impressive average of 22.1.

South Africa provided some of the most memorable moments of his career. During India’s 2018 tour, Shami took five wickets for 28 runs in the second innings of the Johannesburg Test, helping India secure a consolation victory.

On the subsequent tour, he claimed eight wickets in the first Test at Centurion as India registered another memorable win.

His final Test appearance came in the 2023 ICC World Test Championship Final against Australia.

Although injuries interrupted different stages of his career, Shami’s contributions remained significant to India’s international success.