MSK Prasad backs all-rounder Shardul Thakur for 1st South Africa Test

MSK Prasad

Will it be Virat Kohli's preferred five-bowler template which features all-rounder Shardul Thakur or will an extra batter in Ajinkya Rahane come in keeping in view the bouncy conditions? As the Indian cricket team gears up for the opening Test against South Africa in Centurion from December 26, there are arguments both for and against the two propositions. There is also a third angle to this combination jigsaw puzzle and that's Hanuma Vihari, who may or may not be considered for a start on the Boxing Day.

The Indian team, for the past three days, have been practising at the Supersport Park in Centurion and Cricket South Africa has provided the visitors an opportunity to practice on the centre wicket in the main stadium. Centre wicket practice before a Test match in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) countries is a rarity and the skills training (net session) always happens in adjacent area, especially Down Under.

Kohli, who has been an attacking skipper tactically and doesn't believe in erring on the side of caution, would like to once again go in with five bowlers, but it is the absence of Ravindra Jadeja, a very competent No.7 batter and also a left hander (good for variety), will be missed in the middle-order. "I think Thakur is the best choice if they go in with five bowlers as he also gives the option of a steady No.7 batter and we also have R Ashwin," former chairman of selectors MSK Prasad said.

Spectators barred from SA-India games

Johannesburg: No tickets will be sold to the general public for the forthcoming Test and ODI series between South Africa and India due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Cricket South Africa announced on Monday. The first Test starts in Centurion on Sunday.

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