Shardul Thakur’s counterattacking knock on the second day of England’s fourth Test against India at Old Trafford proved significant for the visitors. Because of Shardul’s performances, India scored 358 runs before being bowled out in the first innings. He scored 41 off 88 balls and finished in the middle with Ravindra Jadeja (20) and Washington Sundar (27). Ben Stokes caught the Mumbai bowler in the slips, putting an end to his useful knock.
India were in difficulty when his wicket fell, as everyone felt they were missing a batsman due to Rishabh Pant’s toe fracture. Against all odds, Pant walked in to bat with a broken foot and scored some crucial runs down the order. While Pant made his approach to the crease, Shardul praised his tenacity and determination by placing a hand on his head. He also commented on how the Indian vice-captain batted, contributing 17 runs to the team’s total.
“I believe it was always our intention [to try to get Pant back]. There were numerous efforts by the medical staff. So, congratulations to them. They were able to bring Rishabh back on the pitch. He may bat for a while. And, whatever he accomplished, the runs he scored were undoubtedly important for the squad. Yes, he was in a great deal of agony. And we’ve seen him perform some fantastic things. And this was just another incredible thing he accomplished for the team today,” Shardul told reporters on the wicketkeeper-batsman’s injury update.
I don’t have the authority to ask for the ball: Shardul Thakur
Being asked about his contributions with the ball, the 33-year-old told everyone that he does not hold enough authority to be asking for overs and a call is always taken by the captain, here Shubman Gill. He further expressed his desire to bowl a few more overs before the Stumps on Day 2, but Gill preferred other bowlers over the Palghar Express.
“Giving bowling is the captain’s call. Not in my hands. The captain decides when to give them. I could have bowled two overs more today, but that is the captain’s call. There’s still three days of play left, so I will get to bowl more, and that is what I would like to do in this match. It is difficult to find rhythm, but I try to use my experience,” he explained.
England to resume at 225/2
The bulk of the scoring was done by the English openers with a session and a half they batted on the second day. Zak Crawley (84) and Ben Duckett (94) played brilliantly, but were undone by some good bowling towards the fag end of the second day’s play. Currently, Ollie Pope and Joe Root are at the crease and will resume the innings from 225-2, as England trail by 133 runs.
India
