Tom Moody: India vs Pakistan holds greater significance than the Ashes

The anticipation for India and Pakistan’s highly anticipated cricket match at the Asia Cup 2023 is growing, and former Australian cricketer Tom Moody shared his perspective on the forces influencing the Rohit Sharma-led team’s preparations and probable difficulties.

Tom Moody also examines the significance of the India-Pakistan match, comparing it to the prestigious Ashes series, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of both sides as they get ready for this historic match.

He said, “I think this match surpasses the Ashes. It’s always got a lovely story to it, and both are outstanding cricketing nations. And when you look at that Pakistan squad, it does boast a lot of talent. But one thing that stands out for me is that it also boasts experience. So now they have the combination of experience and talent, they are a real threat. They can match India with their pace bowling; they’ve got genuine pace on their side, and the only issue I see them potentially having is the depth in the quality of their batting which India has got. So that’s going to be the interesting pressure that they put on the likes of Babar Azam at the top of the order.”

Moody on Shaheen Afridi

Tom Moody underlines the crucial part Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi plays in potentially upending India’s batting order, particularly when using the new ball. He said, “Shaheen Afridi. Full Stop. I just think that Shaheen Afridi with the new ball is a major threat, which he has done historically. Broken through with that new ball, manages to blow away a couple of early wickets, which then opens up the middle order for India to resurrect things. Particularly for a middle order that hasn’t had a lot of game time.”

India and Pakistan will face off each other in the Asia Cup on the 2nd of September. The two arch-rivals will also come head-to-head in the ODI World Cup on the 14th of October at Narendra Modi Stadium.

-IANS