India’s intra-squad practice match, crucial preparation ahead of their upcoming Test series against England, was called off midway through Day 3 after an exceptional batting performance by all-rounder Shardul Thakur. Thakur bludgeoned an unbeaten 122 runs off just 68 balls, showcasing remarkable form against a bowling attack that included senior pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.
Thakur’s Blistering Knock Steals the Show
Playing for India A against the main Indian team, Shardul Thakur continued his impressive domestic season form, which saw him earn a recall to the Test squad. His rapid century, scored against the likes of Bumrah, Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Arshdeep Singh, served as a strong statement of intent and a timely reminder of his all-round capabilities. This followed a century by Sarfaraz Khan on Day 2, who also impressed with a quickfire 101 off 76 balls.
Match Concludes Prematurely
The intra-squad fixture, initially slated to run until Monday, June 16, was brought to an end by the team management after two and a half days of play. While no official reason was provided for the early conclusion, it is understood that the team achieved its objectives from the practice game, including giving bowlers sufficient overs and allowing batters to acclimatize to red-ball conditions after a prolonged period of T20 cricket. The BCCI confirmed that the team would have a complete day off on June 16 before departing for Leeds on June 17, where the first Test against England is scheduled to begin on June 20.
Impact on Test Selection
Thakur’s sensational innings has undoubtedly put him in a strong position for selection in the playing XI for the first Test. His performance, coupled with his strong Ranji Trophy season for Mumbai (where he was the second-leading run-getter and took 35 wickets in nine matches), gives him an edge in the competition for the all-rounder’s spot, particularly against fellow contender Nitish Kumar Reddy. The match was reportedly observed by chief selector Ajit Agarkar and BCCI’s Centre of Excellence head VVS Laxman, further adding weight to the significance of Thakur’s display.
Other Notable Performances
Apart from Thakur and Sarfaraz, KL Rahul and Shubman Gill also registered half-centuries for India on Day 1 of the practice match, helping the main Indian team post 469 runs. While Jasprit Bumrah went wicketless, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna each picked up two wickets during the match.
The intra-squad match, though not officially telecast or with publicly released scores, served its purpose as a crucial warm-up, providing valuable match practice and aiding in selection decisions for the highly anticipated Test series against England.
