By Admin 
IND vs IND-A INTRA-Squad Match: Shardul Thakur, who returned to the Indian Test team, has performed brilliantly in the intra-voice practice match being played before the first Test against England. Shardul has presented his strong claim in the Indian team’s playing 11 by scoring a century in a practice match. In this practice match played on Sunday, June 15, the 33 -year -old all -rounder has scored an unbeaten 122 runs.
Thakur has also influenced batting as well as bowling and introduced himself as a balanced all-rounder option. Shardul last played for India in December 2023 in Boxing Day Test against South Africa at Newlands, Cape Town. He took 35 wickets in 9 matches and scored the second number for the team at the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy, performing brilliantly for Mumbai.
However, Thakur was not able to leave much impact in the two Test matches played for India A against England Lions earlier this month, but in the intra-voice match, he has returned from both bat and ball and announced his form.
Shardul’s Test career has also been very impressive. He made his debut against the West Indies team in 2018 and has scored 31 wickets and 331 runs in 11 Tests played so far, including four half -centuries and a brilliant five wicket hall. On the soil of England, he has taken 173 runs and 10 wickets in 4 Tests. His last Test was in England in June 2023 against Australia at the Oval, where he scored an important innings of 51 runs in the first innings.
Gill, Rahul and Sarfaraz also shone
Not only Shardul, but other batsmen have also performed brilliantly in the Intra-Squad match. The new captain of the Indian Test team Shubman Gill and veteran batsman KL Rahul hit a half -century on the first day of the match. While Rahul will play the opener in the team in the Test series, Captain Shubman Gill is expected to go to bat at number 4 for the team.
At the same time, on the second day of the intra-voice match, Sarfaraz Khan also performed brilliantly with his bat and scored a century in just 76 balls. However, he is not currently part of the 18 -member Test squad, but this innings may be a strong message for the selectors.
The first match of the 5 -Test series between India and England will be played from June 20 at the Handingley Stadium in Leeds. Earlier, the performance of the players in the intra-voice match can play a decisive role in the selection process.
Full schedule of test series
First Test Match: From June 20, Headingley, Leeds
Second Test Match: From July 2, Edgbaston
Third Test Match: From July 10, Lords, London
Fourth Test Match: From July 23, Manchester
Fifth Test match, 31 From July, Kennington Oval