Shaw and Vihari deserve it for being consistent, says MSK Prasad

After their stupendous victory against England by 203 runs in the third Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham, India are brimming with confidence and looks to be in good stead ahead of the next encounter at the Rose Bowl, starting August 30. However, the team has had some issues and hence, the management has made a few changes. Prithvi Shaw and Hanuma Vihari got their maiden Test call-ups.

Both recently played in the two-match unofficial series against South Africa ‘A’ and scored centuries to keep themselves in contention for Test selection. Prior to that, the duo also flourished with the willow in India ‘A’s first-class and List ‘A’ matches against England Lions and Windies ‘A’. Recently, MSK Prasad, the national chief selector, praised the duo for the consistency they have shown.

Sooner or later everybody will get into the side

He also mentioned their selections as a reward for their relentless hard work. “They have come up with a comprehensive performance. So, they deserve it for being consistent,” Prasad was quoted as saying in Sportstar. Coincidentally, Vihari became the first player after Prasad to get selected from the Andhra Pradesh domestic team.

In the meantime, Mayank Agarwal couldn’t make the cut. He scored three tons for India ‘A’ in the English tour and then racked up a double century against South Africa ‘A’.  Prasad didn’t rule out his chances of him getting selected in the national team. “Mayank, Prithvi, and Hanuma are performing regularly. Sooner or later everybody will get into the side because all of them have been very consistent,” Prasad iterated.

Moreover, Prasad heaped accolades on Vihari. “It is a wonderful thing. He deserves the opportunity. His performance speaks for itself,” he added. The right-hander has an experience of 63 first-class matches in which he has notched a staggering 5142 runs at a stupendous average of 59.79. He also has 15 tons and 24 fifties to his name.

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