India, June 18 -- Former India head coach Ravi Shastri, on Tuesday, had his say on the "tough" debate around the seam-bowling all-rounder's spot heading into the opening Test match against England, starting June 20 in Leeds, as he picked his India playing XI.

Speaking on The ICC Review, Shastri, who picked his combination for the first game at the Headingley, backed Shardul Thakur ahead of Nitish Reddy, purely because of his bowling. Not to forget, Thakur smashed an unbeaten 122 in the intra-squad game in Kent a few days back.

"I would go with three fast bowlers, (plus) Shardul Thakur. I know it'll be a tough one between Shardul and Nitish Reddy, but you have to see who bowls how much. If Reddy is going to give you 12, 14 overs, then he...