Would like to see Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur as third and fourth pacers for England Test: Ajit Agarkar

Ajit Agarkar said he would prefer Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur as the team's third and the fourth pacers respectively when India take on England in the rescheduled fifth and final Test beginning in Edgbaston on Friday. With Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami a certainty in the playing XI, India has other pace options in Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Shardul Thakur and Umesh Yadav to choose from.

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"Siraj had a really good series last year when India played those four Tests (against England) and he is one of most improved bowlers around at the moment. So I don't see any reason why Siraj would miss out," Agarkar said during an interaction, organised by Sony Sports, the official broadcaster of the rescheduled test match. Agarkar felt that Shardul's ability with the bat could give him an edge in earning a place in the final eleven.

"Shardul offers a bit more with the bat at number eight and if there is likely help for the seamers, then he becomes even more effective. There is some swing and seam on offer," Agarkar said. "So, I would think that's the way they go. Otherwise, the tail becomes too long, if at eight, you look at someone like Umesh (Yadav) or even Prasidh Krisna is part of the squad. But I think, Shardul will probably make (the cut) if they go with four seamers," added the 44-year-old, who represented India in 26 Tests.

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