Virat Kohli officially confirmed today in the press conference that Indian pacer Shardul Thakur is set to miss the second test against England owing to a hamstring injury. Although the skipper assured that Shardul will be back for the third test, nothing can be said surely as of now as the nature of Shardul Thakur’s injury is very uncertain.
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“Shardul should be okay for the third Test. He has a strain on his left hamstring. Everyone else is fine,” Virat Kohli said while speaking to the reporters.
Shardul Thakur was the fourth pacer for India in the first test at Trent Bridge. His inclusion in the team was supposed to add depth in India’s batting order but unfortunately that was not to be as he departed for a duck in the only innings he played in.
However, Shardul Thakur impressed with the bowl as he went on to pick up a total of 4 wickets in both innings combined which helped India achieve a winning position. Unfortunately India’s hopes of winning were marred by rain as it washed off the fifth day.
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Even at the first test, Shardul Thakur was visibly under discomfort. The commentators pointed out that he was not bowling at full tilt. Even then, Shardul Thalur managed to bowl a sensational spell.
Shardul Thakur’s unavailability means that either Ravichandran Ashwin or Ishant Sharma will be included in India’s playing XI for the second test. According to the weather forecast, the sun will shine on all 5 days at Lord’s and the pitch is expected to break up at some point. This means that Ravichandran Ashwin might prove to be a better pick.
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