Veteran India player Ajinkya Rahane opined on his bowling attack for the second Test against England, including all-rounder Shardul Thakur. The second Test is all set to begin on Wednesday, July 2, at Edgbaston, Birmingham.

Talking on his YouTube channel, Ajinkya Rahane said, “I do not see too many chances. I think if Bumrah doesn’t play I would like to see Arshdeep Singh playing. If there is bounce and little grass on the wicket then continue with Prasidh Krishna. If it looks dry and the weather is also hot, then in place of Prasidh Krishna my choice will be Kuldeep Yadav. And Ravindra Jadeja as two spinners. If Bumrah doesn’t play then Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur.”

“I would like to see Shardul playing this Test because he is your guy who can get you wickets. So these three and two spinners. If there is good bounce and movement then back Prasidh Krishna. He will be the right guy on a seaming wicket,” he further added. “Mohammed Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja. If Bumrah does not play then Siraj will have to take that responsibility. He has the ability to get those wickets and bowl a match-winning spell. If the sun is out on day four and day five and the wicket is dry, there will be turn from the rough, then Jadeja will do well. I am looking forward to see these two guys.”

However, Ajinkya Rahane also backed the Indian team to do well ahead of the second Test. After having lost the opening Test, the visitors will try to bounce back and level the series as well.

“Many times as a player we doubt ourselves after losing a game, individually and even as a team. But it is important to focus on the controllable things always. I am sure the Indian team will think of the positives from the last match and move forward. It is important to have the confidence, self-belief, and always being in the present. Whatever has happened in the past is gone. We cannot think a lot about it. It is important for India to take it as a four-match series from now and give their best,” Ajinkya Rahane concluded.