Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has said that India made a wrong move by giving the new ball to Mohammed Shami instead of Mohammed Siraj in the 2023 World Cup final against Australia. He also said that tactically the move backfired as well. However, Team India could manage a below-par total of 240 in the World Cup final against Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. And, Captain Rohit Sharma gave the new ball to Shami, who was successful as the first change bowler in the previous matches as well.
Shami did dismiss David Warner cheaply, but struggled to do well with the swing and sprayed the ball around as Australia got off to a rapid start in the chase. While speaking to Sportskeeda, Akram added that India should have stuck to the tried and tested formula of opening the bowling with Siraj and bringing on Shami later as well. While Shami finished the World Cup final with figures of 1/47 from seven overs, Siraj also bowled seven overs, scalping 1/45 as well.
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“They panicked a bit. I understand that he [Shami] has dismissed many left-handers and has bowled brilliantly from round the wicket. Travis Head survived against him. You must have noted that Shami bowled a couple of wide balls. I feel Siraj should have bowled 2-3 overs at the start just because of his swing,” Wasim Akram shared.
“Psychologically, Shami knew that he comes first change, so the ball is controllable as it is a little old. Giving him the new ball in the World Cup final, out of the box thinking, I am all for it. But, Siraj should have bowled 2-3 overs at the start. If nothing had happened, Shami could have been brought on,” the veteran again added.
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Meanwhile, despite putting up a below-par total on the board, India started well after reducing the Aussies to 47/3. However, Travis Head smashed a superb century, while Marnus Labuschagne compiled an unbeaten half-century to seal the deal.
“Travis Head changed the game,” Akram said in praise of the Aussie opener. “He took all the pressure away from Labuschagne, the way he batted. Both India and Australia knew that it was about one wicket,” Wasim Akram concluded.
