NEW DELHI: Harbhajan Singh heaped praise on India pacer Mohammed Shami following his remarkable five-wicket haul against Australia in the first ODI in Mohali on Friday.
Shami's exceptional performance saw him achieve a career-best by taking five wickets for a mere 51 runs, a feat that hasn't been matched by any Indian pacer at home since Zaheer Khan accomplished it in 2007.
"Shami was brilliant once again. Just look at that seam position, so straight. I don't think anyone in world cricket at the moment would have a seam position as good as Shami. Indian cricket is lucky to be in a stage where you have Bumrah, Siraj, too, who can bowl 150 kmph and also win the game on their day," said Harbhajan Singh on his YouTube channel.
Shami's outstanding performance in the first ODI marked his second five-wicket haul in ODIs, elevating his total to 37 wickets in ODIs played between India and Australia.
This achievement places him as the second-highest Indian wicket-taker against Australia in this format, surpassing Ajit Agarkar's record of 36 wickets. The only Indian ahead of Shami in this regard is the legendary Kapil Dev, who holds the record with 45 wickets.
Harbhajan lauded Shami for his exceptional display and extended his best wishes for the World Cup. He also acknowledged that Shami's spell was brilliant, particularly on a pitch that usually favors batters.
"Taking five wickets is no mean feat, especially in Mohali where the pitch is always a batting paradise. This is brilliant for Indian cricket because Shami was the one who hadn't played enough and now that he has played, he has performed brilliantly."
India's five-wicket victory over Australia helped them maintain their No. 1 ODI position, and his five-wicket haul was a key factor in that win.
(With IANS inputs)
