Expecting slow wickets in Test matches: Shardul Thakur

Basseterre (St. Kitts): He may have only got a little taste of the Caribbean conditions, but young pacer Shardul Thakur says he expects slower wickets in the Test series against the West Indies beginning on July 21, much like the ones laid out for the two practice games here. The second practice match too ended in a draw on Saturday with West Indies Board President's XI scoring 223/6 and 180 in their two innings, while India made 364 all out in their only essay. "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 Shardul after the end of the practice match. "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 youngster was included in this 17-man squad after his impressive performances for Mumbai in the recently concluded Ranji season. And he made an impression here in St. Kitts too, troubling the batsmen in both innings with his line and length, using the bouncer as a surprise weapon and picking 1/50 in the 22 overs he bowled in the match. "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," he said, talking about his match experience.