Pataudi Trophy 2021, 3rd Test: Shardul Thakur recovers from hamstring injury, cleared to play

On Wednesday, India will be gearing up to face England again in the third Test for the Pataudi Trophy at Headingley in Leeds. India continues to lead the five-Test series 1-0, having won the second Test at Lord's.

Meanwhile, pacer Shardul Thakur has been cleared to participate in the third Test and is available for selection in the final XI. Addressing the media in a virtual press conference on Monday, vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane confirmed that the former has passed the fitness test and is available for selection, reports IANS. However, it remains to be seen what combination the side decides to go ahead with, indicating that Thakur is not guaranteed a spot in the playing XI.

Rahane also affirmed that the rotation policy would not be in effect due to the side's nine-day break since the Lord's Test win. He indicated that all the bowlers in the side are ready and raring to go at Headingley.

Thakur had suffered a hamstring injury in the opening Test in Nottingham, thus ruling him out at Lord's. While fellow pacer Ishant Sharma came in for him, his performance was commendable, thus not letting the former's absence affect the side.

Consequently, Rahane lauded the bowlers, asserting that their experience following the 2014 and 2018 tours has increased, which is evident on this tour. He also deemed that it is about maintaining the right lines and lengths while playing in the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, the bowlers are looking to keep things simple, while bowling in the right areas is the key to success this term.

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