ENG vs INDIA: Rahane confirms Pujara's No. 3 position, hints at Shardul Thakur's inclusion

With only two days to go for India-England five-match Test series, Ajinkya Rahane has confirmed that Cheteshwar Pujara will t open in first Test and he will continue to bat at his usual spot - Number 3. Team India's Test Vice-Captain Ajinkya Rahane's statement comes after Opener Mayank Agarwal was ruled out of India vs England's first Test due to concussion. Rahane also dropped a hint that All-Rounder Shardul Thakur can also be included in playing XI in Test series. 

Ajinkya Rahane drops hint on Shardul Thakur

As per a PTI report, Ajinkya Rahane didn't divulge playing combination but did drop a hint that Shardu Thakur's impressive lower-order batting could be used during five-Test series against England, starting August 4.

When asked who among bowlers is best bet with willow and may fill up for Hardik Pandya's absence, Rahane named Fellow Shardul Thakur, who recently scored a half-century and took 7 wickets against Australia in his second Test in Brisbane.

"Everyone is different. What Hardik did in 2018 was different for us. Shardul can bat. You have seen Shardul bat in Australia and he did well in domestic cricket as well," Rahane said about Thakur, who has seven first-class half-centuries but at a modest aver of 16.58.

"(Jasprit) Bumrah , (Mohd) Shami, (Mohd) Siraj, Umesh (Yav) and Ishant (Sharma) are putting in effort in nets. Whatever 20-30 runs we score in end, matters a lot. It's good that y are wanting to bat for at least 10-12 minutes in nets. See result comes later and what is important is process and working hard and contribute as a member of team. We are hoping for some contributions from our tail-enders" ded Rahane.  

Ajinkya Rahane confirms Cheteshwar Pujara will t open

Following WTC Final, Cheteshwar Pujara has been facing criticism t only from fans on social media but also from cricket experts. Pujara's defensive approach has been under rar of cricket experts and also various questions have been raised on his 'intent'. 

"We sat toger and discussed our batting plans but in England, it is challenging conditions for a batsman. Everyone has different plans and everyone needs to back his own methods," said Rahane. 

"Communication is key for  batting unit, but individually, I feel everyone should back ir own methods because conditions change quickly over here in 15-20 minutes. It's about getting used to conditions quickly. As a batting unit, we are rey,"ded Rahane. 

33-year-old batsman also dismissed suggestions about Pujara getting promoted to opening batting inste of being by his usual . 3 position.

"Pujara is our 3 batsman. Who will open innings, we are still finalising our combination. Pujara has been really solid for us at . 3 and as for opening pair, captain, coach, and manment will decide," Rahane furr stated.

Ajinkya Rahane on green pitches in England

Recently, BCCI shared first look of Trent Bridge pitch and it was full of green tops. 

Rahane said that ir team is fully aware that England could unleash a green top surface for Indian players, who need to counter seamer-friendly conditions.

"We expect England to give us such kind of wickets and its ir home conditions and we are t going to think too much about it. Winning each and every moment in Test cricket is really important. We are t really worried what kind of wickets are given to us," said Indian Vice-Captain. 

Ajinkya Rahane on Ben Stokes' decision

Indian vice-captain ackwledged that bubble fatigue is a reality and his team completely respects opposition star Ben Stokes' decision to take a break from game and work on his "mental well-being."

"Bubble (life) is really challenging. You have got to understand a player's mindset as well. When you play at highest level, you have to always give your hundred percent, and your mental health matters a lot. We (Indian team) respect his decision and I am sure his England teammates also respect his decision. It's all about understanding players' mindset as to what he is going through. It is tough and challenging to be in a bubble continuously and perform," Rahane stated.

(Im Credits: AP)

(Story Inputs: PTI)