Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj deserve spot in playing XI: Salil Ankola

India cricketers Shardul Thakur (left) and Mohammed Siraj

Former India cricketer and current Mumbai chief selector Salil Ankola feels India pacers Shardul Thakur, 29, and Mohammed Siraj, 27, deserve a place in India's playing XI against England for their wicket-taking abilities.

Virat Kohli & Co will resume their rivalry with England in the Pataudi Trophy starting in Nottingham today. "They [team management] should capitalise on Shardul, who has plenty of variety in his bowling. He is an excellent all-rounder. He is an asset to the team. He always provides breakthroughs and scores runs like Ajit Agarkar. But, he is getting a raw deal just like Siraj," Ankola told mid-day on Tuesday.

Salil Ankola

Last January, Thakur (67) and Washington Sundar (62) stitched a 123-run seventh wicket stand against Australia to help India win the Brisbane Test. Thakur had seven scalps in the game. "Shardul has proved his utility as an all-rounder and fielder. He can contribute again to the team's win and deserves a chance in the playing XI," remarked Ankola, who represented the country in one Test and 20 ODIs. Thakur has 60 international wickets across all formats.

Ankola praised Siraj (16 wickets in five Tests) for his commitment and positive attitude. "I love Siraj's intensity. He is always eager to bowl at the same pace and is hungry for wickets. But it's very important to get a chance to take wickets," Ankola said.

He also wants to see Suryakumar Yadav get Test opportunities as he is at his peak and has the potential to perform at the highest level.

Where Prithvi Shaw is concerned, Ankola said: "Prithvi is just 21 and has a long way to go. Groom him properly and he can be a world class batsman. Push him in the right way. We are talking about his next 15 years in international cricket. He is a very rare talent," Ankola signed off.

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