Before the India vs England T20 World Cup semi-final, a serious accusation from Pakistani legend Inzamam ul Haq surfaced. He targeted Indian fast bowler Arshdeep Singh, alleging that he was achieving reverse swing through ball tampering. Inzamam implied that Arshdeep was unfairly altering the ball, which violates ICC rules.
In an interview with a Pakistani news channel, Inzamam accused Arshdeep and the Indian team of manipulating the ball to aid the pacer in generating reverse swing during his second spell.
“When Arshdeep was bowling in the 15th over, the ball was reverse swinging. Is this too soon with the new ball? It indicates that the ball was ready for reverse swing by the 12th-13th over. It was reverse swinging by the 15th over. The umpires need to be vigilant,” Inzamam expressed on the news channel.
Inzamam also mentioned, “If Pakistani bowlers were doing this, there would be an outcry. We know how to execute reverse swing effectively. If Arshdeep can achieve reverse swing in the 15th over, significant work has been done on the ball.”
“If Bumrah executes it (it’s understandable), given his action. When other bowlers with specific actions or speeds do it, it suggests the ball has been prepared in a particular manner,” Inzamam added.
Rohit Sharma was asked about Inzamam’s remarks in a pre-match media session and he shrugged it off, advising the former player to approach the situation with an open mind.
“Abhi kya jawab du iska mein bhai (what answer should I give, brother). Wickets are so dry (here) as you are playing in sunny weather. All teams are experiencing reverse swing. Sometimes dimaag ko kholna zaroori hai (Need to open your mind). You need to understand what the conditions are. This is not Australia or England. That’s what I will say,” Rohit responded when asked about Inzamam’s comments.
Inzamam ul Haq “Dimag ko kholo Bhikhari”
ROHIT SHARMA
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India secured a 24-run victory over 2021 T20 World Cup champions Australia in Gros Islet on Monday, setting up a semi-final clash against England. Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh took three wickets to halt Australia’s pursuit of 205 runs.
India posted 205 runs in their innings and then restricted Australia to 181/7.
Australia were in contention, needing 81 runs in eight overs with eight wickets in hand. However, they faltered during Arshdeep’s second spell, as he claimed two crucial wickets in the 16th and 18th overs.
With PTI inputs
@Cricbun
