WTC Final 2023 | How Has Shardul Thakur Performed At The Oval?

image-lieevwxnShardul might play in the WTC final [Twitter]

India are all set to collide against Australia in a mouth-watering prospect at the World Test Championship (WTC) final on June 7 at the Kennington Oval, London.

Both Australia and India have been the two best teams in the last WTC cycle, and finished on first and second place respectively. Now, the two best sides will square off in the final to be crowned the best Test team of the world.

The two sides have already announced their 15-member squad for the final, but there is still suspense surrounding the final XI. For India, the biggest dilemma apart from the wicket-keeping situation is the inclusion of Shardul Thakur in the playing XI.

The Indian bowler has done exceedingly well in the limited Test opportunities that he has got, but moreover, he has a stellar record at the venue of the WTC final - Kennington Oval.

So, will he be the trump card for India?

Tests Played By Shardul at the Kennington Oval

Shardul has only played a solitary Test at this venue, but he showcased his all-round skills, the last time India played at the Oval. With the bat, he slammed 57 and 60 runs in the two innings against England. With the top-order failing, Shardul stood like a brick wall and notched up crucial runs to seal a famous win for India.

Not only with the bat, he came back to haunt England with the red cherry as well, picking up 3 crucial wickets.


Shardul's batting and bowling in depth record

With the ball in hand, Shardul got the key wicket of Ollie Pope in the first innings, and in the second innings, he bagged the prized wicket of Rory Burns to break the opening stand, and trapped England's big fish, Joe Root.

With the bat, he scored a crucial 57 in the first innings and was dismissed by Chris Woakes. In the second innings, he again registered a gritty 60 and was sent back by the then England skipper, Joe Root.

Shardul Thakur vs Australia

Shardul has only played a solitary Test against India, and that was the famous 'Gabba' Test in 2021. It was his debut Test and he made it memorable with 67 runs in the first innings and stitched a crucial partnership alongside Washington Sundar. 

Not only with the bat, Shardul led an inexperienced bowling attack to rattle the Aussies with 7-wickets in that match.

Final prediction

There is no doubt that Shardul is a clutch player and should get a place in the side if the conditions are overcast. He is a genuine swing bowler and can also chip in with crucial runs at his favourite hunting ground.