Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav set to become world-class bowlers: Shoaib Akhtar

Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav have combined brilliantly for India in this World Cup

Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has lavished praise on India’s new ball pair of Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav, saying that the duo have the ability to become world-class bowlers in the near future. Shami has been a revelation in the 2015 World Cup so far, having picked up 12 wickets in the 4 matches that he has played while Yadav has picked up 7 scalps in 5 games and impressed everyone with his pace.

"It is truly a joy to watch them bowl so beautifully and enjoy their cricket. 50 wickets in 5 matches is an incredible task. I am glad to see such matured performances from Shami and Umesh in all the matches and I believe its not long before they are regarded as world-class bowlers," Akhtar told PTI.

Akhtar was particularly impressed by the way they went about their business against Ireland on Tuesday on a flat batting pitch, restricting the Irish to just 259 all out after their openers had got off to a blazing start putting 89 for the first wicket.

"The pitch complemented the playing conditions very well today. The ball was coming on to the bat nicely and it was a true test for the Indian bowlers against a very decent Irish side," he said.

Earlier, Shami had credited the former Pakistan speedster for the extra yard in pace has found in recent times, revealing that Akhtar’s advice to shorten his run-up has done wonders with him now being able to operate at a greater speed for a longer duration than earlier.

"The recent change in run-up has surely increased my pace. So I am continuing with it and hoping that it pays rich dividends. I did have a chat with Shoaib (Akhtar) bhai and he suggested that I should reduce my big strides. So shortened my stride and it has worked. It (the new run-up) is smooth and comfortable and it has also increased my pace," Shami had said.