India’s ‘out of the box’ Shami new-ball move in World Cup final a panic, says Wasim Akram

Mohammed Shami & Wasim Akram. (Photo Source: Tom Dulat-ICC, Darrian Traynor-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

India and Australia played the final of the ODI World Cup 2023 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad last Sunday, November 19. 

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram praised India’s impressive performance throughout the marquee event, where they won ten matches in a row. However, India lost the final to Australia, and Akram believed that India panicked under pressure and made a mistake by handing the new ball to Shami instead of sticking to the tried and tested formula of opening with Bumrah and Siraj. 

“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,” Akram was quoted as saying by Sportskeeda.

Akram suggested that Siraj should have bowled 2-3 overs at the start due to his swing, and Shami was not mentally prepared to take the new ball.

“I feel Siraj should have bowled 2-3 overs at the start just because of his swing. 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,” he added.

During the chase, Australia were struggling as they had lost three early wickets within the first powerplay, courtesy of brilliant bowling by Jasprit Bumrah and Shami but Travis Head showcased great resilience and stitched a brilliant 192 runs partnership with Marnus Labuschagne to seal the deal for the Aussies quite comfortably in the end.

Akram also said that Head’s century changed the game for Australia and took the pressure off Labuschagne.

“Travis Head changed the game. He took all the pressure away from Labuschagne, the way he batted. Both India and Australia knew that it was about one wicket,” Akram said in praise of the Aussie opener.