Apart from Shaheen Afridi , which other left-arm seamers can trouble team India in the ICC World Cup 2023?

In the annals of cricket history, there was a fateful afternoon at London’s Oval during the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy final. Pakistan, batting first on one of the flattest pitches known to cricket, amassed a colossal 338 runs in their innings. However, it was the ensuing second innings that etched a harrowing tale in the memories of Indian cricket enthusiasts and left their batsmen haunted for years, especially in ICC tournaments.

The architect of India’s misery on that day was none other than the left-arm fast bowler, Mohammad Amir. His spellbinding mastery of swing, seam movement, and the elusive left-arm angle dismantled India’s top order, signaling the dawn of a trend that would trouble Indian batsmen and yield success for opposition teams.

The Indian cricket team’s vulnerability against left-arm seamers is well-documented, making them prime targets for rival teams in the World Cup. Whether it was Trent Boult’s fiery spell in Manchester during the 2019 50-over World Cup semifinal, complemented by Matt Henry, or Shaheen Shah Afridi’s menace in Dubai and Melbourne in 2021 and 2022, left-arm seam bowlers have consistently proven to be thorns in the side of Indian batting.

While the likes of Mitchell Starc, Boult, and Shaheen are prominent threats to Rohit Sharma’s brigade with the ball, there are other bowlers poised to exploit India’s vulnerability to the left-arm angle in the upcoming World Cup 2023.

Reece Topley: England’s Rising Left-Arm Seam Sensation

In the realm of One Day International (ODI) cricket, Reece Topley’s career statistics paint a promising picture: 26 matches, 38 wickets, an average of 26.81, and an economy rate of 5.21. However, his journey has been marked by a fateful twist that has only heightened his potential.

Topley’s trajectory towards becoming an elite bowler was abruptly halted by an unfortunate injury sustained during the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he was representing the Royal Challengers Bangalore. At the age of 29, he was on the cusp of realizing his true potential, making him a formidable presence on the international stage.

Standing tall as one of England’s major threats, Topley possesses a potent combination of speed, strength, and the ability to extract prodigious swing from the cricket ball. What sets him apart is his consistency in hitting those hard lengths, a skill that often leaves batsmen perplexed. It forces them into a dilemma – to commit to playing the ball or to resist the temptation and leave it be.

When it comes to facing India, Topley boasts a stellar track record, having scalped 12 wickets at a jaw-dropping average of 16.42. His unforgettable six-wicket haul against India at Lords in the recent past, while defending a modest total of 247 runs, showcased his effectiveness with the new ball and his knack for returning in the middle overs to dismantle partnerships and clean up the tail. His threat is not confined to a single phase of the game; he’s a force to reckon with throughout.

However, a glimmer of hope for India emerges as they prepare to face the defending champions, England, on the Lucknow pitch. Historically, this venue has been less conducive to significant swing, favoring bowlers with the prowess of executing slower deliveries. As the pitch undergoes refurbishment, it remains to be seen whether it regains its earlier propensity to offer swing and seam movement. If it does, Topley, with his skill set, could prove to be a handful for Rohit Sharma and his cohorts to contend with. the cricketing world awaits with bated breath to witness how this intriguing chapter unfolds on the rejuvenated Lucknow pitch.

Shoriful Islam: Bangladesh’s Emerging Left-Arm Seam Threat

In the domain of One Day Internationals (ODIs), Shoriful Islam has emerged as a promising talent, with a record boasting 21 matches, 33 wickets, a stellar average of 24.84, and an economy rate of 5.37. The 21-year-old from Bangladesh is poised to make his presence felt on the world stage, and his impending clash against India in Pune during the World Cup marks a significant milestone.

Pune, known for its traditionally seamer-friendly pitches, particularly aiding the bowlers with the new ball, sets the stage for Shoriful’s ODI debut against India. The surface characteristics align perfectly with his left-arm seam bowling prowess, creating an intriguing prospect for the contest.

Adding another layer of intrigue is India’s historical vulnerability against bowlers they have not encountered before. The unfamiliarity with an opponent’s style can present a unique challenge, and Shoriful, with his ability to extract movement and deliver sharp deliveries, could test the Indian batsmen’s adaptability.

As the cricketing world gears up for this encounter, all the elements are in place for Shoriful Islam to present a formidable challenge to the Indian batting lineup. The World Cup promises to be the stage where this young left-arm seamer from Bangladesh makes his mark and elevates his status in international cricket.

Sam Curran: England’s Unconventional ODI Bowling Asset

In the realm of One Day Internationals (ODIs), Sam Curran has carved out a niche for himself with a career spanning 26 matches, during which he has secured 28 wickets. His bowling average stands at 36.78, and he boasts an economy rate of 5.89. Curran’s unconventional style sets him apart in the world of fast bowling.

While Curran may not fit the traditional mold of an orthodox new-ball bowler, he possesses a unique skill set that makes him a valuable asset for England. His ability to swing the ball, albeit not at express pace, allows him to play a pivotal role during the middle overs and at the death.

It’s in the latter stages of the innings that Curran truly comes into his own. He can artfully slip in slower deliveries, crafty yorkers, and fiery bouncers that hurry onto the batsmen. This versatility makes him a formidable force during the closing stages of an ODI match, where every delivery counts.

However, despite his array of tricks and skills, Curran has faced challenges when squaring off against the Indian cricket team. His record against the Men in Blue reflects two wickets in three encounters, all of which were played in India. An average of 69.00 in those matches suggests that he has yet to find his stride against the Indian lineup.

Nonetheless, Sam Curran remains a quality bowler, armed with unique attributes that can pose a threat to any batting order. His performance as the “Man of the Tournament” in the 2022 T20 World Cup underscores his potential impact. As the 2023 World Cup approaches, the Indian team’s think tank would do well to remain wary of this unconventional English bowler, who has the potential to make a significant impact on the game.