“He has done well in Tests overseas” - Ajinkya Rahane wants to see more overs from Shardul Thakur in 2nd Test

Indian middle-order batter Ajinkya Rahane has suggested to the Indian team management to use the bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur in a better way. Interestingly, Thakur failed to live up to the expectations with both bat and ball in the Leeds Test.

While Thakur was used in the middle overs in the Leeds Test, Rahane felt the all-rounder has the capability of swinging the ball both ways, and instead, he should be used at least as a first-change bowler if not as the new ball bowler.

“I feel an all-rounder’s role is very important. Shardul Thakur has been an experienced player and has done well in Test cricket overseas. I want to see more overs from Shardul. If the Indian team can use Shardul Thakur in a better way, that will be great. Whatever I have seen with him, he can swing the ball both ways and is a wicket-taker. If Shardul can bowl the first change or even be given the new ball he can swing it both ways,” Rahane said on his YouTube channel.

“With the Dukes’ ball, it generally starts to behave after 10 or 12 overs. If Shardul can start the bowling with Bumrah and Siraj can come in as one change, that will be great. I would like to see Shardul bowling more overs. Give him that freedom, he will get you more wickets,” he added.

Furthermore, Rahane also heaped praise on the Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who scalped his 12th five-wicket haul away from home. However, Bumrah couldn’t receive proper support from the other side as England managed to bag a comfortable five-wicket win.

“Bumrah’s five wicket-haul in the first innings was amazing. Apart from his five wickets, what I liked about Bumrah was his intent. The way he was running in his run-up. His intensity throughout his bowling was amazing. The lines and lengths that he bowled. He was aggressive throughout in his bowling approach,” Rahane stated.

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