Ajinkya Rahane, an Indian cricketer, urged the team management consider employing Shardul Thakur with the new ball due to his ability to swing it. In the first Test, Shardul bowled only a few overs and was introduced into the attack after the ball had lost some of its shine.
Rahane noted that the Dukes ball usually starts to move after 10 to 12 overs, and that deploying Shardul as a first-change bowler after Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj could make him more effective and help him pick up more wickets.
“I believe an all-rounder’s role is crucial. Shardul Thakur is an experienced player who has performed well in Test cricket overseas.
I’d want to see more overs from Shardul. If the Indian team can better utilise Shardul Thakur, it will be fantastic. Whatever I’ve seen of him, he can swing the ball both ways and is a wicket-taker. “If Shardul bowls the first change or is given the new ball, he can swing it both ways,” Rahane remarked on his YouTube channel.
“The duke ball usually starts to behave after 10 or 12 overs. If Shardul can start bowling with Bumrah and Siraj can come in as a change, that would be fantastic. I would like to see Shardul bowl more overs. “Give him that freedom, and he will get you more wickets,” Rahane said.
Rahane commended Bumrah’s five-wicket haul in Leeds, as well as his intent and approach throughout the match. He praised the right-arm pacer for his aggression throughout his periods and his intensity on the pitch.
“Bumrah’s five-wicket haul in the first innings was incredible. Apart from his five wickets, I loved Bumrah’s intent. The manner in which he ran in his run-up. His intensity during his bowling was incredible. He bowled in specific lines and lengths. Rahane stated, “He was aggressive throughout his bowling approach.”
Bumrah need support from the opposite end: Ajinkya Rahane
The right-handed batsman emphasised Bumrah’s need for support from the opposite end. He stated that Bumrah should not be burdened with bowling long stints, and that bowlers such as Siraj and Prasidh Krishna should stand up and share the duty.
“I’d like to see support from the other end. Bumrah is certainly bowling his attacking lengths, but if Siraj and Prasidh can help him, that will be fantastic. You don’t want Bumrah to be under strain and bowl too many overs, putting pressure on the team. I’d want to see Siraj take on that duty, as well as Prasidh if he plays the second Test,” he said.
India
