Dale Steyn, the ex-speedster from South Africa, has highlighted five fast bowlers to keep an eye on during the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023. He’s set his sights on India’s Mohammed Siraj, South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada, Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi, New Zealand’s Trent Boult, and England’s Mark Wood. Additionally, Steyn anticipates that Boult might end up as the tournament’s top bowler.
The 2023 ODI World Cup is set to kick off on October 5, starting with a thrilling match between England and New Zealand in Ahmedabad, mirroring the 2019 World Cup final. Meanwhile, teams are participating in practice matches. On Saturday, September 30, India will square off against the reigning champs, England, in Guwahati.
On ICC’s Instagram, Steyn talked about the fast bowlers likely to shine this World Cup.
About Siraj, he mentioned: “He can swing the ball early on and dismiss key batsmen. He’s crucial for India.” Regarding Rabada from his home country, Steyn said he’s always enjoyed watching him bowl. “He delivers with great pace and bounce, and knows Indian pitches well,” he noted. Discussing Pakistan’s Afridi, Steyn playfully advised India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, to stay alert.
The fourth name on Steyn’s radar was New Zealand’s Boult. He described him as: “An effective swing bowler for New Zealand who can take crucial wickets.” Steyn then made a bold forecast: “I reckon he might end up with the most wickets this World Cup.”
Lastly, England’s Wood rounded off Steyn’s lineup. “Wood’s exceptional speed will likely earn him several wickets for England. Just his sheer pace will intimidate many,” he believed. Even though England are the current titleholders of the ODI World Cup, host nation India and Australia, with five titles to their name, are among the top contenders this year.
A quick look at how Steyn’s selections have fared in 2023 ODIs: Siraj has been phenomenal this year with 30 wickets from 14 ODIs, boasting an average of 14.70. On the other hand, Rabada has claimed nine wickets from five ODIs. Afridi, from Pakistan, in 12 ODIs, has secured 24 wickets, while Boult, from only five matches, has ten to his name, with one being a five-wicket haul. Wood, despite his injury issues, played two ODIs this year, capturing two wickets.
