Former South African pacer Dale Steyn named five pacers to watch out for in the ICC World Cup 2023 which will begin on October 5 in Ahmedabad, India.
Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi, India’s Mohammad Siraj, South Africa's Kagiso Rabada, New Zealand’s Trent Boult and England’s Mark Wood were picked up by the former pacer who thinks they will create chaos in the mega event.
In a video posted by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on social media, Steyn also named Boult to be the tournament’s leading wicket-taker.
About Siraj, he said: “[He] swings the ball upfront, knock over the big batters, key player for India.”
On Proteas’ pacer, the 40-year-old said that he is one of his favourites.
“One of my favourite bowlers to watch. Big bounce, lots of pace, familiar with Indian conditions,” he said.
Talking about Pakistan’s Afridi, the former pacer sent a special reminder to India’s Rohit Sharma.
“This man, Shaheen Shah Afridi. Rohit Sharma, watch your pads,” he mocked.
About Boult, he said: “Swings the ball upfront for New Zealand. Big wicket-taker, I think he is going to be the leading wicket-taker in this World Cup.”
Steyn concluded his list with England’s speedster, Wood, who is currently one of the fastest bowlers in the world.
“Mark Wood has extreme pace. I think he’s going to take a lot of wickets for England. His fear factor, his pace alone is going to give him tons of wickets,” he stated.
The ICC World Cup 2023 will take place in India with 10 teams fighting for the elusive title across 10 venues from October 5 to November 19, with the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad hosting the tournament opener and the final.
The Cricket World Cup will be played in round-robin format with all teams playing against each other for a total of 45 league matches.
The top four teams will qualify for the semifinals, which will be held in Mumbai on November 15 and in Kolkata on November 16. The semi-finals and the final will have reserve days.
