Sanjay Manjrekar vouches for Prithvi Shaw to be the Test opener against Australia

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While India have started their tour of Australia with a defeat of 66 runs in the first ODI, there is still doubt regarding the opening slot in the Test series. While Rohit Sharma’s absence in the limited-overs series made things troublesome for the team, his absence will trouble India in the longer format as well. While Mayank Agarwal is likely to open for India in the Tests, the other spot is still blank. However, youngsters like Prithvi Shaw and Shubman Gill could be the options.

Meanwhile, Shaw wasn’t in a good form in the recently-concluded Indian Premier League 2020. But former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes Prithvi Shaw should open whereas Shubman should play at the No. 6.

“Mayank Agarwal walks in as opener in Tests, let’s assume that Rohit is not playing the first two Tests, I would go for Prithvi Shaw as the second opener. Let’s see how it goes and if Shaw shows the poor form as he did in the IPL, then Shubman Gill can be looked at. In Virat’s absence, Ajinkya Rahane should step up and bat at number four. Hanuma Vihari can bat at number five, if Shubman is tried in the middle order, then he should bat at number six,” Manjrekar told ANI.

Manjrekar also shared his views on India’s ODI team. He believes that if India are looking at someone for their middle-order based on his batting then Manish Pandey could be the best option. With Hardik Pandya was not bowling and playing only as a batsman, India have been looking weak in their bowling department.

“Hardik Pandya not bowling and playing as a pure batsman is a bit of a gamble. Let’s hope it works out. Jadeja was to be expected. I just make selections based on principles of having specialists but this is something that is understandable. That said, it’s unfair on Manish Pandey as a pure batsman to miss out to Hardik Pandya,” Manjrekar shared during the pre-match show on India’s Playing XI.

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