The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 has proven to be a memorable chapter for Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami. Initially sidelined from the team’s starting lineup in the first four matches, Shami seized his opportunity in the fifth game, delivering a remarkable five-wicket performance against New Zealand.
In the subsequent match against England, he continued his impressive form, taking four wickets. With only two appearances in the current tournament, the 33-year-old pacer has already secured nine wickets.
Former England fast bowler Steve Harmison expressed his admiration for Mohammed Shami, highlighting him as one of the most underrated pacers in international cricket, particularly when compared to Jasprit Bumrah.
“Mohammed Shami is one of the most underrated fast bowlers in world cricket because he is not Jasprit Bumrah,” said the former England cricketer.
Harmison drew parallels with Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi, emphasizing Shami’s unique ability to swing the ball both ways from the off stump, making him a distinctive threat.
Additionally, Steve Harmison commended Jasprit Bumrah for his exceptional performance in the ongoing World Cup, noting that Bumrah’s consistency in troubling top-order batsmen creates opportunities for other bowlers in the team.
Bumrah’s impressive record in the tournament includes 14 wickets in six matches, averaging just 15.07.
In summary, both Shami and Bumrah play crucial roles for India, with Shami’s swing and Bumrah’s ability to unsettle batters proving invaluable. India is scheduled to face Sri Lanka in their next match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday.
