I use bouncer as my surprise weapon: Pacer Shardul Thakur

St Kitts, July 17 (IANS) India's young pacer Shardul Thakur, who has been included in the 17-man squad for the Test crcket series against the West Indies, said he applies the bouncer as a surprise weapon and to bring variation in his bowling.

The second and final practice match ahead of the first Test, starting July 21, too ended in a draw on Saturday with the West Indies Board President's XI scoring 223 for six and 180 in their two innings, while India scored 364 in their first innings.

Thakur impressed in the second practice game picking up 1-50 in the 22 overs he bowled in the match.

"It was always my dream to be part of the Test team, and being with the Indian team where other players have gained certain experience, you get to learn a lot from them. I am trying to learn as much as I can, because it will only be good for my progress in the future," Thakur told reporters after the game.

"I did bowl a few bouncers and almost got a wicket with one in the second innings. Even in the first innings, the wicket I got was off a bouncer. I use it as a surprise weapon and it is more of a variation in my bowling," he said

The Mumbai pacer said India's head coach Anil Kumble and senior bowler Ishant Sharma are guiding him very well.

"They have made me feel very comfortable and a player performs better when he is feeling good. There should not be any pressure in the dressing room and the more freedom you have, the better you will be able to perform out on the field," he felt.

"The senior guys and Anil bhai have given me enough confidence, so now it is up to me to go ahead and perform."

Thakur said the visitors should expect slower wickets in the four-match Test series.

"I have sat down with the seniors and as a bowling unit, we have discussed all these things about pitches and conditions. The pitches here for both practice matches were slow and similarly we are also expecting slow wickets in the Test series too," he said.

"So the bowlers know we have to keep making effort. The slower the wicket, the effort is more. Making an effort is my work and needed in all matches. It does not matter how the pitch is. A fast bowler has to give effort on each delivery," the 24-year-old added.

The young pacer isn't much worried whether he can find himself in the playing XI in the first Test, instead focusing on the long season ahead.

"I have sat down with the seniors and as a bowling unit, we have discussed all these things about pitches and conditions. The pitches here for both practice matches were slow and similarly we are also expecting slow wickets in the Test series too," he said.

"So the bowlers know we have to keep making effort. The slower the wicket, the effort is more. Making an effort is my work and needed in all matches. It does not matter how the pitch is. A fast bowler has to give effort on each delivery."

--IANS

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