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Former Pakistan cricketer Wasim Akram recently assessed the performances of left-arm pacers Trent Boult, Arshdeep Singh, Mitchell Starc, and Mustafizur Rahman following the T20 World Cup 2024. Akram provided intriguing ratings and offered insights into their performances.
Regarding Arshdeep Singh, Akram gave him a rating of 8 and praised the Indian bowler for his impressive talent. Akram also suggested that Singh should concentrate on red-ball cricket, noting his ability to swing the ball both ways and his potential to become a regular member of the team.
Akram emphasized that if Singh can establish himself in Test cricket, he has the capability to leave a lasting impact and build a successful career. He advised Singh to adopt a focused mindset similar to his own, highlighting the young bowler’s promising future. Speaking to Sportskeeda, Akram elaborated on his assessment.
“I think very impressive, very talented. He should be focusing on 4-day cricket too. He has the swing, the pace. He swings both. His new ball comes in perfectly. I think he’s got the potential to be a regular bowler to play for India. And I hope he gets Test cricket in his mind. Because he’ll make money in T20. You’ll be famous in T20 for a year.
“But if you want to leave a legacy, then you’ll have to think about long cricket. When people retire today, even after 10-20 years, they still say, there was a bowler in the history of cricket who didn’t have such a bowler. So this should be the mindset of every young bowler. No doubt, he’s got the potential. I’ll give him an 8.”
Arshdeep Singh delivered an outstanding performance for India in the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2024, emerging as the tournament’s top wicket-taker with 17 dismissals. His remarkable efforts played a crucial role in India’s victory in the ICC tournament, marking their first win in 11 years.
Regarding Mitchell Starc, Wasim Akram rated him highly, stating, “I would rate him 9.75 out of 10.”
Wasim Akram rates Mustafizur Rahman and Trent Boult
Discussing Mustafizur Rahman, Wasim Akram highlighted the pacer’s exceptional skill in bowling cutters with precision. Akram expressed surprise and disappointment over Rahman’s absence from Test cricket and gave him a rating of 7 out of 10. He further elaborated:
“His action doesn’t change. He holds the ball like this and does it like this. Instead of opening his fingers. So that’s why he’s consistent. And again, he also has an injury problem. He doesn’t like Test cricket. So yeah. But again, we’re talking about the T20 format. So he’s quite good at it, especially with his cutters. Now he’s learnt a new ball in swing. He’s a bit better at it. Earlier, he’d only cross the ball. Now he’s become a bit more predictable. That’s what he’s learnt in the last few days. I.will give him 7.”
Wasim Akram has singled out Arshdeep Singh as the top left-arm pacer in the world, not Mitchell Starc. According to Akram, Trent Boult also ranks among the best in this category. He noted Boult’s consistent pursuit of excellence and described him as a reliable wicket-taker. Akram gave the New Zealand pacer a perfect rating of 10, emphasizing his prowess in the bowling department.
“I rate him well. He’s played a lot in Test cricket. He’s played a lot of cricket. He’s a sensible bowler. He still wants to learn. And that shows that he’s not satisfied with himself as a bowler. His performance is consistent. He’s retired. He’s played in. Leagues everywhere. But he gives you wickets. For me, in the last 10 years, if anyone is the top left-arm bowler after Starc, then I’ll name him (Trent Boult). I give him 10. He’s got the ability.”