Expecting slow wickets in Test matches: Shardul

He may have got only a little taste of the Caribbean conditions, but young pacer Shardul Thakur says he expects slower wickets in the Test series against the West Indies beginning on July 21, much like the ones laid out for the two practice games here. 

The second practice match too ended in a draw on Sunday with West Indies Board President’s XI scoring 223/6 and 180 in their two innings, while India made 364 all out in their only essay. “I sat down with the seniors and as a bowling unit, we discussed all the things about pitches and conditions. The pitches here for both practice matches were slow, so we are expecting slow wickets in the Test series too,” said Shardul at the end of the practice match. 

“The slower the wicket, the effort should be more. A fast bowler has to make effort on each delivery, irrespective of how the pitch is,” he added. The youngster was included in this 17-man squad after his impressive performances for Mumbai in the recently concluded Ranji season. 

And he made an impression here in St Kitts too, troubling the batsmen in both innings with his line and length, using the bouncer as a surprise weapon and picking 1/50 in the 22 overs he bowled in the match. “It was always my dream to be part of the Test team, and being with the Indian team where other players have gained certain experience, you get to learn a lot. I am trying to learn as much as I can, because it will be good for my progress in future,” said the youngster. I did bowl a few bouncers and almost got a wicket with one in the second innings. 

Even in the first innings, the wicket I got was off a bouncer. I use it as a surprise weapon and it is more of a variation in my bowling,” he said, talking about his match experience. About the influence of Anil Kumble and Ishant Sharma, Shardul said, “They have made me feel very comfortable and a player performs better when he is feeling good.  There should not be any pressure in the dressing room and the more freedom you have, the better you will be able to perform out on the field. The senior guys and Anil bhai have given me enough confidence, so now it is upto me to go ahead and perform.” 

The first Test starts in Antigua begins on July 21 and Shardul does not expect to make the cut for the playing eleven. With this season spanning as many as 17 Tests, his chance to play is likely to come sooner or later.  “It is important to identify you own strengths and keep improving on them. We have shared different ideas about bowling in the Test series and hopefully our ideas will work.  As for selection, well, we have a long season ahead of us. I am used to playing the domestic season that starts in September and goes on until March-April. So I just hope my fitness shapes up and I hope to get a look-in at some point,” Shardul signed off.