Mohammed Shami or Bhuvneshwar Kumar? Happy Headache for Team India Ahead of IND vs ENG CWC 2019
Team India faces a fortunate headache in identifying their best XI ahead of the England Clash. Mohammed Shami is the talk of the town courtesy his match-winning four-fers in consecutive matches which also included a famous hat-trick. But Bhuvneshwar was in team's primary scheme of things heading to the tournament and also took three crucial wickets against Australia.
The Indian team management faces a 'happy headache' ahead of their next fixture against hosts England in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 and it's not because of their strong opposition but in identifying their best XI. The conundrum is to choose either Mohammed Shami or Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Mohammed Shami is the talk of the town courtesy his match-winning four-fers in consecutive matches which also included a famous hat-trick against Afghanistan in Southhampton. From Fat to Fit: Mohammed Shami, ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Sole Bowler to Take Hattrick Shares His Inspirational Comeback Story.
The speedster was included in the playing XI following a hamstring injury to Bhuvneshwar which he suffered in the clash against arch-rivals Pakistan. Bhuvneshwar was in team's primary scheme of things heading to the tournament and he also took three crucial wickets against defending-champions and current table toppers Australia, thus helping India register a victory by 36 runs. Bhuvneshwar Kumar Poses in New Orange Team India Jersey, Hints at Comeback From Injury: See Pic Shared By His IPL Team SRH.
So, it will interesting to see whether the team management will stick with the Bengal pacer or will go back to Bhuvneshwar. Shami has certainly got more pace than Bhuvi and he has been exceptional with the ball by consistently touching the 140 kmph mark. On the other hand, the first Indian bowler to take 5-fers in all formats, Bhuvneshwar relies on swing more than pace but he also has a lot of variations in his armoury and has made a formidable pair with spearhead Jasprit Bumrah in the past. On many occasions, Bhuvneshwar has also helped India with the bat in hand as well and has also scored a half-century in ODIs.
Meanwhile, India are currently undefeated in the tournament and are comfortably sitting on the second position on the ICC WCW 2019 points table. The men in blue are just one win away from securing a berth in the semi-finals. While The game against England will not be easy as it is a do or die encounter for the hosts. The England batting line-up consists of batsmen like Joe Root, Johny Bairstow, Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes who have demolished many good bowling-attacks in the past. So, whoever gets a place in the XI will have a challenge in hand. Dropping Shami will certainly not be fair after his stellar performances but with Bhuvneshwar's bucket of variation and ability with the bat. One can never say who will get the spot.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 29, 2019 06:06 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).