WTC Final: Harbhajan Singh omits veteran pacer Ishant Sharma’s name in his playing XI

WTC Final: Harbhajan Singh omits veteran pacer Ishant Sharma’s name in his playing XI

Harbhajan Singh and Ishant Sharma

The much-awaited ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final between India and New Zealand is set to begin in less than a week’s time. The two sides will lock horns from June 18 to June 22 at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton.

However, the Virat Kohli-led side still needs to decide between Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Siraj as the third fast bowler. Meanwhile, former India spinner Harbhajan Singh picked Siraj ahead of Ishant for the all-important clash.

The Hyderabad pacer turned out to be one of the finds of the recent Australia series where he claimed 12 wickets including a fifer at the Gabba.

“If I was the captain, I would go with three pure fast bowlers. In that case, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami pick themselves. In this final, I would like to go with Mohammed Siraj ahead of Ishant Sharma,” Harbhajan told as reported by PTI.

‘Siraj is a better choice in the present scenario’

Mohammed Siraj
Mohammed Siraj

The veteran cricketer opined that the current scenario along with Siraj’s form, pace and confidence makes him a better choice than Ishant Sharma. However, he hailed Sharma for his exceptional achievements while playing for the national side.

“You have to look at the present scenario. Siraj’s form, pace and confidence make him a better choice for this final match. The kind of form he is in the last six months, he looks like a bowler who is hungry for his chances. Ishant has gone through some injuries of late but has been a great servant of Indian cricket no doubt,” the off-spinner said.

Turbanator highlighted that Siraj could turn out to be a lethal option against the Kiwi batsmen if there’s some grass on the surface. He added that the youngster has the ability to create awkward angles for the opposition.  

“If you leave some grass on the surface, Siraj with his pace will be lethal. Trust me, New Zealand batters won’t find him easy as he not only hits the deck but also gets to move the ball off the pitch at a brisk pace. He can create awkward angles for batsmen,” India’s third-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket observed.

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