India, Sept. 5 -- Mohammed Shami may be trying to force his way back into the India conversation, but there has been little sign of rust when the ball has been in his hand. Now standing between the veteran pacer and a Duleep Trophy title is a South Zone batting line-up whose captain, Tilak Varma, has made it clear that they are not planning to take a backward step.

South Zone will face Ishan Kishan-led East Zone in the Duleep Trophy final at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai from September 6 to 10. The summit clash was shifted from Bengaluru to Chepauk by the BCCI to allow spectators to attend the marquee domestic fixture.

Shami will arrive at the final after playing an important part in East Zone's four-wicket semi-final victory ov...