Indians have arrived in Australia without knowing who their second opener will be. While Mayank Agarwal is a certain starter there has been a big debate around who will partner him at the top. The absence of Rohit Sharma from the first two Tests has only added to the puzzle. There are plenty of options available for the Indian team but none of them seem to have cemented their spot. The likes of KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, and Prithvi Shaw are in the running for the second opener’s slot. But there has been one man who has not impressed critics and fans alike and he is none other than Mumbai opener, Prithvi Shaw. He has scored a total of 62 runs in 4 innings and this doesn’t make for great reading.
#Prithvi_Shaw when he faces Swing bowling. #INDvAUSA #AUSAvIND pic.twitter.com/yjJt0IFA6M
— Inning Star (@InningStar) December 12, 2020
Against Australia A in the 2nd innings, Shaw once again threw away his wicket and was dismissed cheaply for 3. The fans who had high expectations from the young opener has only flattered to deceive. Plenty of them took to Twitter to express their displeasure while others took this as an opportunity to have a field day at Prithvi Shaw’s expense.
Prithvi Shaw needs to play more domestic cricket looks rusty…better send him back rather than sit out and waste time..@vikrantgupta73 @rawatrahul9
— A G Krishnan (@atmanirbhar007) December 12, 2020
Players of Future:
Prithvi Shaw, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant have long been earmarked as players of the future. While Shaw and Pant have got their chance at the Test level, Gill is yet to be tested at the highest level. Pant is battling it out for the wicket-keeper’s slot with Wriddhiman Saha, Gill and Shaw may be in direct contention for the second opener’s spot. Both of them failed to fire in the first tour game at Drummoyne Oval in Sydney. It felt as if an opportunity was lost.
Prithvi Shaw to Indian fans after scoring a couple of runs. pic.twitter.com/SJyZnrkAX8
— Raghav Nandwana (@raghav_nandwana) December 12, 2020
Both these youngsters were given another go in the ongoing second practice match at the Sydney Cricket Ground. While Shaw in his typical fashion chanced his luck and scored a breezy 40 off 29 balls in the first innings.
Gill (43) scored three more runs than Shaw but looked sure of his game. His solidity augurs well for the Indian team.
Prithvi shaw when Shubman Gill doesn't follow him to the dressing room. pic.twitter.com/KZ9KfagZGi
— Raghav Nandwana (@raghav_nandwana) December 12, 2020
Who will India choose?
In what was supposed to be a final shootout between Shaw and Gill, Shaw seems to have thrown away his opportunity after being dismissed for 3. While Gill strongly presented his case with a well compiled 65. It will be interesting to see who the management decides to go in with. What will also make for interesting viewing is the case of Rishabh Pant. The talented southpaw hasn’t utilised his chances up until now and the management’s patience seems to be running thin with him. Even Pant has failed to score in 3 innings of the warm-up games, can he make a statement, can he make a comeback? His fans will be waiting for his answer.
