India’s MS Dhoni speaks to Australia’s David Warner before the match. (Source: Reuters)Even though Australia hold a better head-to-head record against India in the World Cup, former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has predicted that Virat Kohli’s men will ‘crush’ the defending champions when they take on each other in their match of the quadrennial event at The Oval on Sunday.
After Paksitan defeated England, Akhtar feels that it becomes India’s responsibility to beat Australia to set the tournament wide open. “It’s the personal responsibility of India to beat Australia. If India does that, then the tournament will be open,” Akhtar said in his YouTube video.
India will crush Australia in tomorrow’s match. Here is what I think about.
YouTube link: https://t.co/Z4VdhQEHNN#IndiavsAustralia #CW19
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) 8 June 2019
“Indian batsmen are committed to win this game and bowlers are ready to take wickets,” he added.
Akhtar suggested that the men in blue should opt to play with Mohammed Shami in the match against Australia and felt that part-time spinner Kedar Jadhav along with wrist spinner Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav would be crucial for India.
“If they replace Bhuvi..with Shami, it’s going to be a very simple choice but at the same time Kuldeep, Kedar, and Chahal will be the turning points,” Akhtar said. “India have a far better chance because the balance of the bowling lies with India. I want Shami to be in… want the pace to be in,” he added.
However, Virat Kohli, who won the toss on Sunday and opted to bat first against Australia, did not feature Shami in the Playing XI.
