The young Indian National Cricket team opener, Prithvi Shaw will miss the remaining of the four-match Test series against Australia. Mayank Agarwal will replace him in the squad for the next two fixtures.
Meanwhile, Shaw, fielding on the deep mid-wicket fence, caught Cricket Australia XI opener Max Bryant just inside the rope and fell over while trying to keep the ball in play as momentum carried him beyond. In doing so, Shaw twisted his left ankle while landing and looked in a lot of pain.
The 19-year-old opener, unable to put any pressure on his left leg, had to leave the field on others shoulder. He immediately went to the hospitals to get his scans. Although he was spotted jogging in the sidelines of Adelaide, the management didn’t want to risk Prithvi Shaw. And now, he will miss the remainder of the series as he will take more time to heal.
However, the injury of Shaw has brought a welcome opportunity for Mayank Agarwal. The Karnataka has been in impeccable form over the last 18 months smashing many domestic records.
Although the selectors overlooked him for the England tour, he made it to the squad against Windies. However, he didn’t get an opportunity to make his debut as Prithvi Shaw made his international debut.
And now with Shaw out, Agarwala will get an opportunity to showcase his talent. Moreover, the opener pair for India has been under the scanner after their recent failure to provide good starts. KL Rahul and Murali Vijay are yet to make a mark in the ongoing series Down Under.
With India leading 1-0 following their win at Adelaide, the visitors are at the jaw of a defeat in Perth. Should India lose the Test, the management will be compelled to tinker the line up which will provide Mayank Agarwal a welcome chance.