Shardul Thakur was preferred over Nitish Kumar Reddy in the first Test between India and England in Leeds. He bowled just 6 overs and batted at No.8 slot. He failed to impress in both departments, going wicketless and accumulating 1 run. Former wicket-keeper batter Dinesh Karthik is not pleased with the way Thakur was used by captain Shubman Gill. He urged the decision-makers to include Nitish Kumar Reddy in the Playing XI of Shardul is likely to get a few overs and bat as a tailender.

The 33-year-old was recalled to the Test side after a long time, considering he can contribute with the bat and ball.

“It is better to play Nitish Kumar Reddy, who is a more accomplished batter. If you are going to give a few overs to Shardul Thakur and make him bat at no.8 place then Nitish is a better option. India will have to solve this issue,” Dinesh Karthik said.

Earlier, India scored 471 runs, with Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant scoring hundreds. Ben Stokes and Josh Tongue took four wickets each for England.

The hosts posted 465 runs, with Ollie Pope smashing a century. Harry Brook was dismissed for 99 runs. Jasprit Bumrah dismissed five batters.