Thakur smashes 122* vs Bumrah/Siraj in intra-squad match
Written By: Danish
Shardul Thakur blasted an unbeaten 122 against India's top attack (Bumrah/Siraj/Prasidh) in the intra-squad match, forcing selectors to reconsider England Test XI.
Performance
Management faces tough choice between Shardul (122* & wickets) and Nitish Reddy (BG Trophy player) for Headingley Test starting June 20.
Dilemma
Earlier, Shardul troubled Gill/Rahul with the ball. His "golden arm" reputation and 31 Test wickets add weight to his all-rounder claim.
Bowling
Match was abruptly ended after 2.5 days. Sarfaraz Khan (101 off 76) also impressed but wasn't selected for England Tests.
Context
Shardul last played Tests in Dec 2023. His Ranji Trophy form earned this recall - now has 331 runs & 31 wickets in 11 Tests.
Records
While Bumrah went wicketless, Siraj/Prasidh took 2 each. Shardul's century vs main attack makes him hard to ignore for Leeds.
Contrast
With India's new Test era beginning under Gill, will selectors reward Shardul's stunning form or stick with incumbent Nitish Reddy?