India's preparations for the upcoming Test series against England took an unexpected turn as their intra-squad match was reportedly called off following a blistering innings by Shardul Thakur. The all-rounder smashed an unbeaten 122 against a bowling attack featuring Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, according to reports, making a compelling case for his inclusion in the first Test at Leeds on June 20.
The intra-squad match, held in Beckenham at the Kent County Cricket Ground from June 13-16, was designed to provide the Indian team with valuable match practice and an opportunity to acclimatize to English conditions ahead of the five-match Test series. The match was played between India and India A. Shubman Gill led the senior side. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had kept the match a closed-door affair, with no live streaming or media access permitted, adding an air of mystery to the proceedings.
While official scorecards and detailed reports were scarce, snippets of information trickled out, painting a picture of solid performances from several key players. On the first day, Shubman Gill and KL Rahul both scored half-centuries, signaling their readiness for the Test challenge. Gill, the new captain, showcased his elegant stroke play, while Rahul continued his impressive form, having already scored a century against England Lions in a prior unofficial Test. Shardul Thakur also impressed on Day 1 with his bowling, picking up crucial wickets.
However, it was Shardul Thakur's explosive batting display on the third day that truly grabbed headlines. Facing a potent bowling attack spearheaded by Bumrah and Siraj, Thakur unleashed a barrage of shots, reaching an unbeaten 122. This performance highlighted his capabilities with the bat and further solidified his claim as a valuable asset in English conditions.
Other notable performances from the match include Sarfaraz Khan scoring 101 runs before retiring out, and Ishan Kishan remaining 45 not out. However, other players such as Ruturaj Gaikwad were out for 0 and Washington Sundar scored 0 and 35.
Shardul Thakur's recent form has been remarkable. He has made a compelling case for his return with impressive performances in domestic cricket. He took 35 wickets in the Ranji Trophy 2024 and scored 505 runs in 12 innings at an average of 42.08, including four fifty-plus scores and a century.
The decision to call off the match, while unconfirmed, suggests that the team management may have achieved their objectives, or perhaps, were wary of potential injuries ahead of the crucial Test series. It is also speculated that Thakur's dominant performance may have influenced the decision, as it could have provided valuable insights into his current form and readiness for Test cricket.
With the first Test just days away, the Indian team will look to finalize their strategies and team composition. The performances in the intra-squad match have undoubtedly given the team management plenty to ponder, particularly regarding the inclusion of Shardul Thakur, who has proven his mettle with both bat and ball. The series promises to be a thrilling contest, and India will be aiming to start strong at Leeds.
