Ahead of India vs South Africa 1st Test, Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur has claimed that South Africa is one of the most difficult countries to play Test cricket. Thakur made it clear that in the rainbow nation bowlers are unsure as to what to expect from the pitch thereby making it a big challenge.
India will taking on the Proteas for a 2 match Test series which is extremely crucial. The WTC Points are up for stake and India will go with all guns blazing to extract positive result from the series.
“I think South Africa is one of the most difficult countries to play Test cricket in. Considering the pitch conditions, even if we play all over the country, this is one country where you can’t expect what you will get from the pitch, so it’s very important to go out there play the game and on the game day, you judge the conditions of the pitch, of the ground, and how it is and put yourself in a position to give your best according to that,” Shardul said in an interview with Ravi Ashwin.
India will opt to go out with 4 pacers and Shardul will be amongst the mix. He is slated to be the 4th pacer in the team and will be handy with the bat. With such a long time without Test cricket, Shardul is ensuring that he remains on his best form before the Boxing day Test.
“Right now, I am just getting acclimatised to the weather, and I also learnt that this is a little high in the altitude. So, on the day when you shouldn’t be short of breath, when you’re doing some running around or bowling, it’s very important to get the feel,” he added.
“When you’re short of breath, still manage that and bowl out there or if you’re batting, running between the wickets, how you can still continue your innings, so that is about one of the most challenging conditions in South Africa,” Shardul concluded.
Shortness or breath and bowling at a higher altitude comes hand in hand. Infact in the IND vs SA 1st ODI, Arshdeep Singh who bagged a fifer too complained about shortness of breath and struggling to bowl. But that should not be the case with Shardul. The player has been preparing well much ahead of the game.
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