We expect slow wickets during the Test series: Shardul Thakur

Shardul Thakur is on his first Test tour and bowled only a handful of overs in India's second practice game against West Indies' Board President's XI but the Indian pacer reckons that the wickets in the forthcoming four-match series will be similar to what the team encountered during the two practice games at Warner Park, Basseterre in St. Kitts.


"I have sat down with the seniors and as a bowling unit, we have discussed all these things about pitches and conditions. The pitches here for both practice matches were slow and similarly we are also expecting slow wickets in the Test series too," Shardul said on Saturday (July 16), after the completion of India's warm-up fixtures.
The second of the two warm-up fixtures ended in a tame draw after the Board President's XI batsmen batted out 86 overs, denying the touring Indians a morale-boosting victory ahead of the first Test. Although a tad disappointed at not securing victory, Shardul praised the manner in which the bowling group performed on the slow track.
"So the bowlers know we have to keep making effort. The slower the wicket, the effort is more. Making an effort is my work and will be needed in all matches. It does not matter how the pitch is. A fast bowler has to give effort on each delivery," he added.
Shardul himself was impressive with his control, although he managed only one wicket in 22 overs of hard toil. His line and length was impeccable and the Mumbai bowler used the bouncer effectively. "I did bowl a few bouncers and almost got a wicket with one in the second innings. Even in the first innings, the wicket I got was off a bouncer. I use it as a surprise weapon and it is more of a variation in my bowling," he said.
Shardul's consistent form for Mumbai over the past couple of domestic seasons played a big role in his call-up for the West Indies tour and the 24-year old is keen to make the most of this opportunity. "It was always my dream to be part of the Test team, and being with the Indian team where other players have gained certain experience, you get to learn a lot from them. I am trying to learn as much as I can, because it will only be good for my progress in the future," said the youngster.