To go with Shubman Gill or persist with Prithvi Shaw? This could have been the biggest dilemma for the team management before the Test series against New Zealand but Gill has solved the puzzle with twin tons – includes double-century – before the international fixtures. Gill, who is waiting to get his maiden Test cap for more than four months now, remained unbeaten on 107 at the end of day 3 in the second unofficial Test match against New Zealand A.
Opening the innings, Gill and Hanuma VIhari (59 of 73) put up 111 runs for the first wicket in reply to NZ A’s 386. Following Vihari’s dismissal, Cheteshwar Pujara warmed up well by scoring unbeaten 52 off 99. Both the batsmen will hope to continue their run and get a first-innings lead over the hosts.
Shubman Gill smashed another century in India A's tour of New Zealand. Currently unbeaten on 107.
Video thread of some of the shots played by @RealShubmanGill today. #NZAvINDA pic.twitter.com/GGcpwte49h
— Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) February 9, 2020
Despite Pujara and Vihari scoring hall-centuries, Gill hogged the limelight as he has now almost confirmed a Test debut for himself and should open the innings with Mayank Agarwal. Before the squad announcement, Gill was playing to keep his place in the Test squad but on Sunday, he played to earn a place in the playing XI – ahead of the third opener.
Also Read: New Zealand vs India 2020: 3rd ODI, Bay Oval – India’s Predicted XI
Shaw, who made a comeback to the Test squad in the absence of Rohit Sharma, is unlikely to get a chance in the two Test matches now. He hasn’t been able to convert his starts into big scores in both the ODIs and now comes next to Gill and Mayank in the pecking order in Tests.
Rest of the lineup should remain the same but there is still uncertainty over the fitness of Ishant Sharma. If he is fit, Ishant will play both the fixtures. Umesh Yadav will be preferred over Navdeep Saini if Ishant misses the series.
In the spin department, Ravindra Jadeja is confirmed to play. R Ashwin might be left out if India go with only one spinner, which is unlikely to happen. There is no Kuldeep Yadav in the Test squad as he was dropped.
The two Test-match series kicks off February 21 with Wellington hosting the opening game The second Test will be played at Hagley Oval, Christchurch from February 29.