"Want to see both of them in team"- Former Indian all-rounder reckons Siraj and Shardul will be ideal for England's rescheduled Test

The most awaited test match between India and England will kick off on Friday, July 1 at Edgbaston, Birmingham. The first four matches were played last year, and the visitors lead the series 2-1. However, the scenario has totally changed as compared to last year, with both teams having new captains and coaches.

England are putting up a really good show and are coming off a 3-0 whitewash over New Zealand. On the other hand, India has some areas to address, and one of them is the choice of third seamer for the match. The pace attack will be led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami. 

However, the spot for the third seamer is questionable. Former Indian pacer Ajit Agarkar has shared his views on this. India has the options of Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Umesh Yadav for the role of third pacer in the team.

In an interaction on Star Sports, Agarkar said that Siraj did a really decent job last time in England and is one of the most improved pacers in India, so that will give him an edge over others for a place in the playing XI. 

On the other hand, the former pacer also pointed out that Shardul also gives the option in batting as well and can also use the conditions if there is something for the seamers, so if India are coming to strengthen their batting, then Shardul is ideal in the team, because if not, then India's tail will become long.

Agarkar also said that the batting ability gives Shardul a chance if India go with four seamers. He also backed Siraj despite his poor performance in the IPL. The former pacer said that Siraj didn't bowl badly on purpose and you can't compare the performance in the IPL to test cricket in England. 

He also highlighted that the pacer did a really good job in red-ball cricket in the last 12 months and was good in the home series against Sri Lanka. The fifth match was postponed due to the COVID outbreak. That is the reason there will be just a single test match on this tour.

The former pacer also lauded the veteran Indian batsman, Cheteshwar Pujara, who scored four centuries in the Division County Championship 2022 while playing for Sussex. He said that this is the right time for the batter because he has played in England and is also an experienced batsman. 

Agarkar concluded, "No doubt it has come at the right time, also because it is one-off test. And not many other Indian batters are playing in these conditions. So certainly it (Pujara played county) will be an advantage."