Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson on Thursday lauded Team India for their undefeated run in the ICC Cricket World Cup at home and went on to compare the current Indian squad with Australia’s 2003 and 2007 World Cup winning sides for how dominant they have been without “any weaknesses”.
Men in Blue are undefeated so far, with six wins in six matches, while SL is struggling, having won only two of their six games.
In an interview ahead of the game, Watson discussed India’s World Cup run, Australia’s World Cup performances and middle-order batting, Virat Kohli chasing Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 ODI tons, and Legends League cricket.
“India has been so dominant. It is super impressive to watch a team with no weaknesses. With Hardik Pandya, it is a fully complete package. Without Hardik, they had to bring two players. Hardik is such a medium-pace bowling all-rounder and two players in one. But as a positive, Mohammed Shami got the opportunity and made the most of it. He has been bowling amazingly well. If Hardik comes back, they might have to make a decision between Mohammed Siraj and Shami.
It is a blessing for India to potentially make that call. That is an embarrassment of riches really if they have to make that call truly because Siraj has also bowled nicely in the tournament,” Watson said.
Shami (nine wickets in two matches with a best of 5/54 against New Zealand) has been super impressive in just two WC games played so far. He also took 4/22 against England. Shami’s average is 8.44 and the economy rate is just 4.47. Siraj has taken six wickets in six matches, with the best figures of 2/50. Siraj’s average is a massive 48.33 and the economy rate is 5.85. Watson drew parallels between the current Indian line-up and Australia’s 2003 and 2007 Cricket World Cup-winning sides. Watson was the part of 2007 WC winning side.