Former selector Sarandeep Singh has opined that in the off chance that the World Test Championship is played under overcast conditions, the Indian team should prefer picking up Shardul Thakur over Mohammed Siraj.
"If conditions are overcast, then you can play an extra fast bowler after Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami. My pick would be Shardul though Siraj has also done very well," Sarandeep told PTI.
Sarandeep further went on to suggest that Shardul can provide the team with a batting option in the lower middle order. "You will need batting options in the lower order and Shardul gives you that. The ball will do a bit at Southampton and Shardul is good at swinging the ball,” he said.
Both Shardul and Siraj impressed with their performances in Australia where the Indian team won the four-match series 2-1. The visitors made a fine comeback after they were bundled out for 36 in the first match.
While India defeated Australia away from home, they thumped England 3-1 on home soil to march into the WTC final.
The Virat Kohl-led side will now face the Blackcaps in Southampton for the title clash scheduled to begin on June 18. The WTC final will be followed by a five-match Test series between India and England in August. The Indian team has begun the preparations for the final.
New Zealand on the other side are battling it out against England in a two-match Test series. The first encounter at Lord’s ended in a draw while the two teams are up against each other in the second and final clash in Birmingham.