VVS Laxman has stated that India may think of replacing Ravindra Jadeja with Shardul Thakur and add another attacking bowler for the fifth Test in Manchester. This comment from the former batsman has come in light of Thakur’s brilliant twin fifties in the fourth Test at The Oval.
The Palghar-born top-scored in the first innings with 57, helping India to put up a total of 191; in the second innings, alongside Rishabh Pant, who also scored a half-century, Thakur helped in extending the lead to over 350 with an entertaining knock of 60.
On the other hand, Jadeja, who has been promoted to number 5 in this Test, hasn’t made any significant contribution with the bat in the last couple of Tests, and hasn’t been a great threat with the ball either.
Shardul Thakur after reaching his fifty off 31 balls. (Image: Twitter)
Hence, VVS Laxman believes Thakur could indeed play the all-rounder’s role and be pushed up to number 7 in the fifth Test.
“Suppose you want to have Shardul, then Jadeja, the all-rounder, may miss out. Kohli is not getting too many overs from Jadeja, and Shardul can contribute with the bat and ball, as we have seen in this match. And then you have the four quality bowlers. Shardul can well bat at number 7,” VVS Laxman told ESPNcricinfo.
“For me, it’s the top seven from you are expecting the runs. So the four fast bowlers who I’m going to pick are the ones who can give me wickets. That will be my criteria.”
It was a very good display of batting from Thakur: VVS Laxman
VVS Laxman was effusive in praise for the Chennai Super Kings player for his couple of enterprising knocks at The Oval.
“Hats off to him. First innings, he was the saviour, and then in this innings also, some of the shots he played all around the park – he’s got all the shots in the book. It was a very good display of batting from Shardul Thakur.”
However, he also reckoned Thakur’s main skill is his bowling and he is expected to pick wickets first, and then his batting assistance is a bonus.
“As a number 8, if you contribute with the bat, it’s great; he has done that in Brisbane, and he has done that in this match. But, I would like to see Shardul Thakur the bowler come to the fore – that is the expectation always. If they get runs at number 8, 9, 10, 11, it’s just an added bonus. But for me, it’s about how they bowl – that’s their first skilset,” the 46-year-old concluded.
India have set a target of 368 runs for England to chase in about 125 overs remaining in the game.
