WTC Final: Watch – Mohammed Shami fields with a towel wrapped around his waist, leaves commentators baffled

Mohammed Shami was at the center of attention on Day 5 of the World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton. From bowling some rippers to fielding with a towel wrapped around his waist, the veteran India pacer made things happen on the field.

After play on Monday was washed out due to rain, action on Day 5 of the historic final began an hour late due to wet weather in Southampton. As the action resumed, India pacers tried their best to dislodge Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor but the two veteran batsmen applied themselves and saw off the threat in the first hour.

WTC Final, India vs New Zealland Day 5: Live Updates

Mohammed Shami, who was introduced as the first change bowler, continued from where he left and troubled the New Zealand batsmen.

At one point during the post-lunch session, Shami was seen fielding along the boundary with a towel tied around his waist. The television cameras caught Shami wearing the towel and after a bit the star pacer was stationed at the deep, with the white towel.

Commentators Dinesh Karthik, Nasser Hussain and Simon Doull were on air when Shami was spotted with the towel. While Hussain called it an “interesting look” and quipped it might have been a warm towel to keep himself warm and comfortable on a cold Tuesday afternoon in Southampton, Karthik said he was not able to explain why Shami was sporting the towel.

Fans on social media did their best to find out the answer while coming up some hilarious memes.

Shami was the pick of the Indian bowlers on Tuesday as he finished with figures of 4/76 after bowling 26 overs. While he was beating the bat consistently on Day 3, Shami adjusted his length a bit and got the rewards.

Shami gave India their first breakthrough on Tuesday morning after Williamson and Taylor saw off the first hour. He pitched it full and forced Taylor to drive. Shubman Gill, at short cover, took a catch and sent Taylor back for 11.

He then got wicketkeeper-batsman BJ Watling with a ripper that seamed away to knock the top of off. Shami got back to business in the 2nd session and got big-hitters Colin de Grandhomme and Kyle Jamieson.

New Zealand finished their innings with 249 runs on the board, sealing a first-innings lead of 32 runs.