ENG v IND 2021: Shardul Thakur is a better option than Jasprit Bumrah, says Monty Panesar

Panesar feels Shardul Thakur must be in the Indian XI against England at Trent Bridge.

Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah has not been at his best in England as he went wicketless in the World Test Championship (WTC 2021) final against New Zealand and picked only 4 wickets in 2 Test matches in the home series against England earlier this year.

Thus, the former England spinner Monty Panesar feels India should go with Shardul Thakur in the first Test against England which begins on August 4, rather than Jasprit Bumrah.

“I think Jasprit Bumrah needs to pitch it up a little bit and move more in the air. He bowls like that back of a length a little quick and that is going to beat the bat most of the time.

I just don't think his natural length is to hit the top of an off-stump. His natural length is to slightly bowl a yard shorter and to bowl it real quick. So I think Shardul Thakur will be a better option. He can bat as well,” Panesar opined while speaking on the 'Behind The Stumps' Youtube channel.

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The 39-year-old then talked about Thakur’s ability to pitch the ball up which is not only the best length to bowl in English conditions, but will also help India against England’s lower order as well.

“Shardul Thakur will be a good option against the England tail because he pitches the ball up. He does bowl that natural English conditions length. In England it is about hitting the top of off-stump,” the Englishman signed off.

The Team India skipper Virat Kohli has not revealed the playing XI a day before the match and has made it clear that the XI will be announced on the day of the match that too at the toss.

(timesnownews inputs)