Ajinkya Rahane, an Indian cricketer, recommended that the team management use Shardul Thakur with the new ball because of his swinging ability. Shardul only bowled a few overs in the first Test match, though, and was called into the attack once the ball had lost some of its luster.
Ajinkya Rahane noted that the Dukes ball usually begins to move after 10 to 12 overs, and that Shardul may be more effective and take more wickets if he were used as a first-change bowler after Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah.
“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.”
Ajinkya Rahane
“With the duke 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.”
Ajinkya Rahane
Ajinkya Rahane applauded Bumrah’s intent and approach during the game and commended him for taking five wickets in Leeds. He praised the right-arm pacer’s energy on the field and saw that he remained aggressive throughout his periods.
“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.”
Ajinkya Rahane
Ajinkya Rahane highlights lack of bowling support for Jasprit Bumrah
The right hand batter stressed the importance of Jasprit Bumrah to be supported at the other end. He pointed out that Bumrah should not be expected to bowl long spells and that bowlers like Siraj or Prasidh Krishna needed to come up and should also assume the load.
“What I would like to see is support from the other end. Bumrah is obviously bowling his attacking lengths but if he can get support from Siraj and Prasidh, that will be great for him. You don’t want Bumrah under pressure and start bowling too many overs and the pressure comes on the team. I want to see Siraj taking that responsibility and also Prasidh if he plays that second Test match.”
Ajinkya Rahane
