Xtra Time Web Desk: Team India medium pacer Shardul Thakur surprised many with his counter attacking fifty at The Oval. The Mumbai all rounder pipped Ian Botham’s record by hitting the fastest Test fifty (50 off 31) on English soil. He broke Botham’s 35 year old record. Shardul on Thursday said if he given any responsibility , he has to “perform by hook or crook”.
“You have to take responsibility whether you are a pacer or a batter. If you are playing for India, so whenever you get a chance you have to shoulder responsibility by hook or by crook,” Shardul said during the virtual press conference after first day’s play.
“For me, it was a challenge and whenever I get to bat, I have to create such an impact that it opens the door for my team’s victory,” the Mumbai all-rounder said having already hit a fifty in India’s victory in Brisbane earlier this year.
In the Indian dressing room, Shardul is referred to as ‘beefy’ which is legendary Ian Botham’s famous nickname.
“Pretty happy getting so much love from teammates that they want to call me by a certain nickname,” he smiled. He clarified that Ravindra Jadeja was sent up the order to keep the left-right combination going. “Whether Rishabh goes or Jaddu goes, it doesn’t really matter. We have seen Jadeja score crucial runs and bat patiently. It was just to use left right combo, we send him up the order,” said Shardul.