IND vs SL: Mohammad Siraj To Be Benched On Hardik Pandya's Return? Shane Watson Reveals Jaw Dropping Insight

Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has praised Indian pacer Mohammed Shami for his incredible bowling performances in the 2023 World Cup. Shane Watson stated that Mohammed Shami has outperformed Mohammed Siraj in India’s pace bowling attack.

Mohammed Shami was on the bench for the team’s first four matches in the marquee tournament. However, the right-arm pacer made an instant impact during his comeback match, picking up a five-wicket haul against New Zealand in Dharamsala on October 22.

Shami took four wickets against England in the next match in Lucknow. In contrast, Mohammad Siraj struggled with his rhythm from the start of the ongoing tournament, securing only six wickets at a dismal average of 48.33 and an economy rate of 5.86.

Great Problem For India To Have – Shane Watson

In a conversation with Star Sports before India’s match against Sri Lanka, Shane Watson described India’s selection dilemma as a positive indication. Watson mentioned that all Indian players are delivering their best performances in the World Cup.

“It’s a great problem for India to have. That’s a sign of a team that’s in incredible form, where all the players are putting their hands up and playing at their best. In my mind, Shami has taken over Siraj’s spot because of the way he’s bowled in the last two games. He’s been incredible,” Watson said.

Mohammed Shami Is Just So Difficult To Play – Shane Watson

Shane Watson emphasized Mohammed Shami’s ability to trouble batters both on the outside and inside, highlighting his accuracy in hitting the stumps.

“When Shami is at his best, as we saw against England, he’s just so difficult to play. He can beat any batter on the outside or the inside. And because his length is so accurate, it’s always hitting the stumps. He’s always in there asking questions. It was unfortunate that Hardik went down injured. But that meant that Shami got an opportunity, and for me, he’s surpassed Siraj because of the way he’s been bowling,” Watson added.

Mohammed Shami will be seen in action when the Men in Blue take on Sri Lanka in their upcoming match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday, November 2.

Also read: IND vs ENG: No Virat Kohli, No Jasprit Bumrah As Shane Watson Names His Player Of The Tournament For ICC World Cup 2023