Shardul Thakur : It was always my dream to be part of the Test team

Although he was not part of the playing XI in the first warm-up match, Mumbai pacer Shardul Thakur got a chance to show his skills in the three-day fixture at Basseterre. He struck early in the first innings to remove opener Leon Johnson and bowled ten overs giving away just 24 runs. He continued the economical spell in the second innings and gave away just 26 runs in 12 overs. Talking to the media after the match ended in a draw, Shardul Thakur described being part of the team as a dream come true.

"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.

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."

"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, talking about his match experience,” said Thakur, reported PTI.

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The first Test starts on July 21 in Antigua and although he is not expected to be part of the XI, Shardul Thakur believes that the pitch for the Test series will be slow.

"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," said the 24-year-old.

There should not be any pressure in the dressing room and the more freedom you have, the better you will be able to perform out on the field."

"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 needed in all matches. It does not matter how the pitch is. A fast bowler has to give effort on each delivery," he added.

The Mumbai pacer also said that senior bowlers in the team and coach Anil Kumble has helped him in the tour so far.

"They have made me feel very comfortable and a player performs better when he is feeling good.

"There should not be any pressure in the dressing room and the more freedom you have, the better you will be able to perform out on the field. The senior guys and Anil bhai have given me enough confidence, so now it is up to me to go ahead and perform,” said Thakur, reported PTI.

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