Thirteen years to the day since he walked onto the Eden Gardens pitch to earn his 279th Test cap, Mohammad Shami announced his retirement from the red-ball game.

While standing in front of the camera in his peaceful farmhouse located in Sahaspur Alinagar, Amroha, the 36-year-old pace veteran posted an emotional video message along with an Instagram story stating that he has decided to retire from the Test format in advance of the second ODI against New Zealand.

It marks an emotional end to a career which started back in November 2013 when Uttar Pradesh's young seamer took the world by storm with a masterclass in reverse swing against the West Indies. His decision comes after he was left out of the squad for the upcoming Test series against the Blackcaps, meaning his final appearance in the traditional format will be in the 2023 World Test Championship Final. However, this does not take away from what has been a remarkable career full of grit, elegance and precision.

An Upright Seam and an Uncompromising Record: Mohammed Shami

Shami retires from the red-ball format, leaving behind one of the best fast bowling talents that India has seen. He showcased immaculate seam bowling throughout his 64 Test matches, consistently threatening edges with the perfect upright seam that skids.

He left an incredible legacy:

229 Wickets at a ridiculous average of 27.71.

6 five-wicket hauls, including his best of 6/56.

145 wickets overseas in 41 Tests, averaging 30.33 (South Africa, England, Australia & New Zealand).

Shami was a deadly weapon to have in changing conditions, due to his seam movement. He, along with Jasprit Bumrah and Ishant Sharma formed an incredible new era of fast bowling that turned India from just being competitive on the road to becoming a dominant force in world cricket.

The Final Over

While Shami doesn't get to play his final Test at home, it is fitting that his final appearance will be in his last over of Test Cricket. After thirteen years of hard work, swinging the ball back and match-winning performances it all comes full circle, starting under the skies of Kolkata back in 2013 and finishing calmly from his home in Amroha.

As India head into their second ODI in Wellington, Shami's legacy as a master fast bowler will forever be remembered in Indian Test cricket history.