Former India keeper Farokh Engineer reacted to Rohit Sharma’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss in the ongoing ICC WTC 2023 Final against Australia at the Oval in London which began on June 7.
The overcast conditions also played a major role apart from the grass on the pitch in India's decision to bowl first. India went with four pacers in Mohammad Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, and Shardul Thakur while Ravindra Jadeja is the lone spinner in the side.
Engineer referred to the choice as "bold" and "surprising," adding that the Indian batters might not have felt comfortable taking a chance against a strong Australian bowling attack that included Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Scott Boland.
“India winning the toss, the decision (to bowl first) is a bit surprising but I think the decision was taken because our batsmen do not want to be exposed to the Australian attack on a fresh green track.
We are hopeful, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj are effective. I think they will be effective...It's not a bad decision but a bold decision,” Engineer told ANI.
Engineer, who represented India in 46 Tests and five ODIs, called Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Shubman Gill as keys in the Indian batting unit when it's their turn to bat later on the Test match.
"He (Cheteshwar Pujara) is a key member of the side. So are Virat and Shubman Gill, we have a very good batting lineup. It's a very good all-round side,” he added.
