India vs England 2021: Ishant Sharma Lacked Rhythm In Leeds; Shardul Thakur Or Ravichandran Ashwin Can Replace Him In Next Match, Says Salman Butt

Former Pakistan cricketer Salman Butt feels that Ishant Sharma was not in rhythm during India vs England 3rd Test match at Headingley in Leeds. Salman Butt reckoned that there might be some niggles with Ishant Sharma and he might need some free time away from the game. The former Pakistani skipper also mentioned that the Indian team can pick Shardul Thakur or Ravichandran Ashwin to replace Sharma in the next match.

During India’s loss to England in the 3rd Test in Leeds on Saturday (August 28), Ishant Sharma failed to pick any wicket in the match. Bowling 22 overs, the right-arm pacer remained wicketless while conceding 92 runs.

Moreover, while the other three Indian pacers Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Mohammed Shami have bagged 10+ wickets in India vs England Test series so far, Sharma has got only 5 scalps so far.

I Feel Ishant Sharma Wasn’t In Rhythm In Leeds Test: Salman Butt

While speaking on his YouTube channel, Salman Butt termed Ishant Sharma a very good bowler but seemed to be a bit out of touch in the 3rd Test.

“There might be some niggles or some players might need some free time away from the game and it depends on their mindset. But I feel Ishant Sharma wasn’t in rhythm in Leeds Test, he is a very good bowler, but he seemed to be a bit out of touch in this Test.

“Maybe, Shardul Thakur can replace him or if it’s spin conditions, Ashwin can come into the XI. Currently, India are playing with what’s more suitable for the England team, because England loves to play more pacers than spinners,” Salman Butt said.

Virat Kohli-led India lost the 3rd Test at Headingley by an innings and 76 runs. Joe Root and co. bowled out India for a mere 78 runs in the 1st innings. Putting mammoth 432-10 on the board, the hosts gave a massive lead of 354 runs to India. In the 2nd innings, England pacers dismantled the Indian team for just 278, winning the match by an innings and 76 runs.

Ollie Robinson, who picked 7 wickets in the match with a 5-wicket haul in the 2nd innings, was awarded player of the match. The series stands tied at 1-1. India and England will square off in the next Test at Kennington Oval in London from September 2 (Thursday).

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