Bengaluru: Virat Kohli is delighted that a skilful fast bowler such as Mohammed Shami is back in the team as he has the ability to hit the “perfect Test match length”, that would be necessary for the upcoming tour of West Indies.

Shami had been out of international cricket for more than 15 months post 2015 ICC World Cup, where he bowled with an injured knee. He later underwent knee surgery and was out of action for a long time.

On what he feels on Shami’s return as he has not played a lot of cricket except a few IPL matches and club games, Kohli answered: “Shami is obviously a very skilful guy and we all know that. He has a lot of ability with the ball. The way he releases and pitches the ball, it’s more than perfect for Test cricket. I mean the line and length that he hits is always attacking no matter how the wicket is.”

“Best thing is if its seaming and swinging, he can bowl the conventional line and length. If it’s reverse swinging, he knows exactly where to bring the ball from. He has a great sense and feel of how to get a batsman out. We are working on the aspect of mental strength of his game. The thing that we push for him is more consistency.”

Kohli hopes that after a long lay-off (about 15 months) from the Indian team, Shami is hungry to perform.

“He had a great season before he got injured. He couldn’t play World T20 due to injury, so I am sure he is eager to make a comeback and prove (his worth) all over again,” said Kohli.