'Virat wanted at least two to say it was out, everyone was denying but we said it's out' - Shardul Thakur reveals the backstory of Jonny Bairstow’s review

Team India had a good outing with the ball in the first Test match against England. The pacers reaped the rewards as the hosts were wrapped up at just 183 runs. Post the stellar performance, the pace duo of India, Shardul Thakur and Mohammed Shami, brought a recap of the team’s bowling on day one. In a video on the BCCI’s official website, both the speedsters opened up about the bowling display and especially mentioned the story behind Jonny Bairstow’s wicket.

Day one of the highly anticipated clash was an extremely eventful one. Shami spoke about the importance of setting the tone of the day by bowling in the right areas. When asked by Shardul about his bowling strategy to Bairstow, he asserted that he was quite confident of getting the batter out. Shami added that Bairstow had previously struggled with his incoming delivery but after the on-field umpire didn’t raise the finger the team was perplexed but he was sure.

Shardul Thakur reveals the story behind the DRS call for Bairstow

In what was a full and straight delivery from Shami, Bairstow got hit on the front pad and only an inside edge could have saved him. Shami, though, was confident but he stated that the assurance from Thakur made him even sure. Opening about this incident of going upstairs for the wicket, Thakur asserted that he had a strong feeling that it was out.

“Shami Bhai immediately told Virat that the ball has hit the middle of the stumps but there was a doubt. I was fielding at the mid-on then and had a strong feeling that the ball has hit the pad twice and there is no bat involved. Everyone was denying Virat to take the review but he was wanting that at least one or two of us say that it’s out. Shami Bhai had already said that it was out and I too assured and then we went upstairs and it was given out. It was an important wicket as the collapse started from there.” Shardul said.

The England team then couldn’t quite hold their fort as the batting lineup struggled. India produced a good show with the ball and would be keen to take the momentum further by giving a healthy lead. This would allow them to take command of the game and fancy their chances of a victory in the first Test.

 

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