The key advise given by Australian pace legend Jeff Thomson to young Mumbai pacer Shardul Thakur, who has been picked in the 17-man Test touring party to the West Indies, is to maintain unbridled aggression as a bowler.
"He (Thomson) told me to be aggressive in bowling, especially when I am not getting wickets," said Thakur.
Thakur said Thomson told him, "Try to get wickets, that's how you will test your character. Be aggressive in your mind to get a batsman out.
"He has told me a few things. I have been busy playing a lot of matches in the domestic season, but did not get much time to practise with him. Whenever I met him he spoke about his experience and shared a few things. He asked me to continue to do the things I have done in the past," said the 24-year-old bowler.
Thakur, who grabbed 41 wickets for Mumbai during its 41st title-triumph in Ranji Trophy in the season gone by after grabbing 48 wickets in the previous season, said even bowling defensively can be termed aggressive bowling under certain conditions.