Sanjay Manjrekar has identified his two Indian openers for the upcoming Test series against Australia. If Rohit Sharma was fit he would have been an automatic pick to open in the Test series. However, Rohit’s is still recovering from his injury and his participation is still not guaranteed. In his absence team, India will have a find a suitable opening combination that can neutralize the threat of Aussie fast bowlers.
In the last few years, India has never had a settled opening partnership in Tests that have ended up making life difficult for middle-order batsmen in overseas tours. Former Indian cricketer Manjrekar has shared his picks to open in the 4 match Test series that begins on December 17.
Sanjay Manjrekar Picks Mayank Agarwal and Prithvi Shaw As His Openers
Manjrekar believes that Mayank Agarwal should be a sure shot pick as one of the openers. As his partner, Manjrekar backs Prithvi Shaw who opened for India in the 2 Test match series in New Zealand. Shaw so far hasn’t been consistent in his career but if he can improve his shot selection he can give India a healthy start.
On the other hand, Agarwal made the headlines in the last Aussie tour when he made his Test debut. Sanjay Manjrekar thinks that if Rohit is an unable feature in the Test series this should be the opening two batsmen for India. Also, he added that if Shaw is unable to make an impression Subman Gill to can be looked as an opener.
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“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”, Sanjay Manjrekar said as quoted by Hindustan Times.
Meanwhile, as far the number 4 position is concerned Snajy Manjrekar choose the experienced Ajinkya Rahane to bat in that position in absence of Virat Kohli in the last 3 Test matches.
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 further added.
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