In the ongoing second unofficial Test match between India A and England Lions, the bowling of Shardul Thakur and Nitish Reddy caught everyone’s attention.
Both these players are contenders for a place as an all-rounder in the upcoming Test series against England.
But the performance of both of them in this match being played in Canterbury was not very special.
Let’s see how their bowling was and what happened in their battle to make a place in the Test team.
Shardul Thakur: Tried hard, but no wicket!
Shardul Thakur, who is a new ball specialist for Mumbai, was seen in the role of fourth bowler in the Test this time. From the very first day, his effort was to keep the ball tight and put pressure on the batsmen.
This time he did not try many tricks, but focused on accurate line and length. Against England Lions left-handers, he used the off-cutter, which moves the ball away.
His deliveries were at 77-79 mph, and did get the edge on a few occasions, but wickets were just out of the question, having bowled six overs with no success. Still, his tight bowling is a good sign for a Test all-rounder.
Nitish Reddy: Tried everything, but the result was the same!
Nitish Reddy also bowled six overs and tried his best to swing the ball. Sometimes a full-length delivery, sometimes an inswinging yorker, sometimes a nip-backer – Nitish tried everything. One inswinging yorker, especially against Jordan Cox, surprised everyone.
But, England Lions batsmen, especially Tom Haynes (54) and Emilio Gay (71), responded well to his deliveries. Nitish did get seam movement on the last ball, but he also failed to take a wicket.
Dominance of England Lions
England Lions scored 192/3 in 46 overs in response to India A’s 348 runs. Tom Haynes and Emilio Gay scored half-centuries and troubled India A bowlers a lot.
Spinner Tanush Kotian gave a relief by dismissing Gay LBW, while Anshul Kamboj took the wicket of Ben McKinney. But Shardul and Nitish being empty-handed can be a matter of concern for the Indian think tank.
At present, both Shardul and Nitish are strong contenders for the all-rounder’s place in the Test series. Shardul’s tough bowling and Nitish’s variety of balls make them special. But if wickets are not taken, the confidence of the coach and selectors may be shaken.
The next day’s game will be a big opportunity for both of them to rectify their mistakes and secure a place in the Test team.
