Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur is doubtful for the second Test at Lord’s after suffering a hamstring injury during the practice session. This makes Ravichandran Ashwin a possible replacement for Shardul with him providing an extra spin option as well. The second Test at Lord’s will be played between August 12-16 after the first in Trent Bridge ended in a draw.
The Indian team is down to preparations for the second Test. The likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Ajinkya Rahane had their batting sessions at practice. The Indian team would be needing crucial runs from their batsmen in this Test match.
Shardul Thakur’s Injury Gives India Headches
"Shardul Thakur is struggling with his hamstring." – According to The Guardian
— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) August 10, 2021
“India also have an injury concern, with all-rounder Shardul Thakur understood to be struggling with a hamstring problem. If so, and with the weather in London forecast to be hot, spinner Ravichandran Ashwin may reclaim his spot in their XI” stated this report from The Guardian.
Ravichandran Ashwin Likely To Replace Shardul Thakur
Meanwhile, Shardul Thakur’s untimely injury will give selection headaches to the Indian think tank ahead of the second Test. Ravichandran Ashwin might be his ideal replacement, however, Ishant Sharma is another option available if the management neeeds a pace bowling option. However, that would negate India an extra batting option which is crucial in English conditions.
Meanwhile, the first look of the Lord’s pitch went viral on social media. The pitch is currently covered in green grass. However, in the next two days, a lot of it will be chopped off before the pitch is finally ready for play.
England, on the other hand, have recalled Moeen Ali into their squad ahead of the second Test. If is this anything to go by, Ashwin should be leading the race to replace Shardul. Ashwin’s omission from the Indian playing XI did raise a lot of questions. Ravindra Jadeja who was picked ahead of Ashwin scored 56 with the bat while bowling a wicketless spell.
India do not enjoy a good record at Lord’s. They have won just two matches at this venue, lost 12 and drawn four games. The victories came in 1986 and 2014.
Also Read: ENG vs IND 2021: England Pacer Stuart Broad Suffers Injury Scare Ahead Of 2nd Test
