New Zealand are playing a two-match Test series in England to prepare for the ICC World Test Championship Final (WTC). India, on the other hand, arrived in the UK on June 3 and is being quarantined in Southampton. Sarandeep Singh says feed Shardul Thakur in WTC Final against NZ.
Many observers believe the Blackcaps will have an edge since they will be more match-ready than India, who will not be playing any practise games.
The ICC should’ve arranged a 3-day practice match for the Indian team- Sarandeep Singh
Former selector Sarandeep Singh expressed his thoughts on the matter, stating that the Indian squad should have at least a three-day practise game before such a major match.
He also suspected that the players were rusty because they’ve not played a Test since March. Sarandeep was concerned that the Kiwis could possibly pull ahead in this area due to their extensive gaming experience.
“The International Cricket Council should’ve arranged a three-day practice match for the Indian team to help them prepare for the WTC final. If the countries aren’t free, it could’ve persuaded the English Cricket Board (ECB) to arrange a second for a second XI of same county.
“While New Zealand would come into the match on the back of a two-Test series against hosts England, India would be left without match practice despite facing completely different conditions than what they encounter at home. Clearly, Kiwis would have an edge, when it should be a case of equal opportunity for both the teams,” Sarandeep told, as reported by Cricketnext.
I would prefer to play Shardul any day: Sarandeep
Sarandeep also discussed India’s lineup for the WTC final, stating that if the pitch allows for true swing, Shardul Thakur should be the favoured option because to his swinging abilities. Furthermore, the experienced stated that Shardul’s bat abilities are superior to those of the other speed bowlers in the group.
“If the conditions are overcast, seamer-friendly, and windy, with the pitch offering a green cover, as it is most likely going to be, I would prefer to play Shardul any day. He is a genuine swing bowler. Moreover, he adds depth to our batting, which is critical.
Feed Shardul Thakur in WTC Final against NZ: Sarandeep Singh
“We saw how his half-century (67) and that seventh-wicket partnership of 123 with Washington Sunder helped us win the deciding Test at Brisbane in Australia. If an allrounder like him is not around, your tail will start after No 6, which is very risky.”
Sarandeep Singh said, “If there are clouds in the sky, the wind blows and there is help for the fast bowlers on the pitch, then according to me the team should go with Shardul Thakur. The former selector admitted that in such an environment, Shardul can be a better option for the team than Siraj.
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