WTC Final 2023: Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj are primary threats in India attack, says Steve Smith

Australian talisman batsman Steve Smith acknowledged Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj will be the primary threats in India’s attack for the World Test Championship final. Shami scalped 28 wickets in 17 matches for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2023 and played a key role in taking the franchise to the final of the tournament. Shami, who will be the pack leader for India, has snared 225 wickets in 63 Test matches.

On the other hand, Siraj has been performing consistently for the team in the red-ball version. Siraj has scalped 47 wickets in 18 Test matches for the Indian team and he has ticked the right boxes.

“They have got a good mix of quality seam bowlers, with Shami and Siraj probably their two main guys,” Smith said in a pre-match press conference.

“They have really good skills and the Dukes ball will suit them nicely. And then obviously their spinners as well, who bowl well in all conditions. So I think they have a good attack and we are going to have to play well against them this week.”

Meanwhile, Josh Hazlewood was ruled out with an injury, and Smith reckons Michael Nesser has the ability to walk straight into the playing XI. Nesser, who has been in good form, has scalped seven wickets in two Test matches.

“(I’ve got) so much faith, he (Neser) is a quality performer,” Smith said. “I faced him against (County side) Glamorgan a couple of weeks ago and he bowled beautifully.

“He has got great skills and he’s added some of the inswingers we have seen him bowl when the wicket is a bit flatter. So he has got loads of skills and is batting nicely as well, so he is a great package. If he gets an opportunity he will certainly do a very good job.”

Furthermore, Smith added that Scott Boland is known to hit the hard length and he could also play a key role for Australia along with Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.

“I think we will get what Scotty does pretty well,” Smith said. “He hits a good length, hits the top of the stumps, seams the ball around, swings it if he wants to and he has got great skills as well. No doubt he will be a challenge if he gets the nod,” Smith said.

The WTC Final will be played at the Oval from June 7.