Ajit Agarkar banks on Prithvi Shaw to be picked for the last two Tests against England

The continuous failures of the openers in Tests has left the former cricketers demanding for their axe now. The likes of Murali Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul haven’t done anything so far in two Tests which has put pressure on the middle-order. Prithvi Shaw’s case looks strong when the selectors sit down to pick the squad for the final two matches. Even Ajit Agarkar has backed his inclusion now and feels that the youngster can bat well in alien conditions for India.

Shaw has been tremendous in the domestic season so far. In 14 first-class matches, he has already amassed 1418 runs at a humongous average of 56.72. He did well on the tour of England as well while travelling with India A and many believe there are shades of the great Sachin Tendulkar in his batting style. All the pressure is now on the selectors as the youngster is raking up the runs and so is Mayank Agarwal who is also breathing down the neck of the current openers.

Why can’t he be ready for India?

Ajit Agarkar, Mumbai chief selector and former India cricketer, felt that Prithvi Shaw is ready for international cricket and he should be picked in the Test side. He has been mentored by none other than Rahul Dravid and has adjusted his technique a wee bit as well.

“He’s certainly doing everything right. I haven’t seen him bat in recent times for India A, as those games weren’t televised. But from everything you hear from people, everyone seems to be impressed with the way he’s adjusting. And the sheer amount of runs (he’s scored)… That’s the only way you can push your case.”

“Whether he’s ready for these two Tests at the moment, I’m not sure because I haven’t seen him, but he had a hell of a season for us last year. Someone who’s been around for a couple of years in First Class cricket and scoring as many runs as he is, I can’t see any reason why he isn’t ready (for international cricket),” he was quoted as saying by the Times of India.

The third Test between India and England will commence on August 18 and the selectors are likely to pick the squad for the next two matches during the same period. All will depend on the team’s performance in that game and it remains to be seen if any changes are made to the line-up.

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