India lost the second test by a comprehensive margin of 146 runs that saw the Australian team leveling the four match test series 1-1. Skipper Virat Kohli and his deputy Ajinkya Rahane have been the stand out performer for the team alongside mr. dependable Cheteshwar Pujara. However, the form of lower middle order batsman and the openers has been a big concern for India across the two test matches.
The brilliant knock of Ajinkya Rahane in the 1st test ensured that India does not lose the first test and covered the failure of the openers. However, the same scenario was not repeated in the second test where the Indian openers KL Rahul and Murali Vijay were again dismissed cheaply, questioning their ability to play at away tours.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor’s interesting pick for Indian openers
Meanwhile, member of parliament from Thiruvananthapuram- Shashi Tharoor has recommended two unlikely opening options for India for the third test against Australia. Tharoor who has been actively tweeting for cricket feels test specialists Ravichandran Ashwin and debutant Mayank Agarwal should open the batting for India.
However, skipper Virat Kohli has allready hinted of playing Vijay and Rahul for the third test again.
Tharoor further said that Ashwin at the top of the order will mean that the team management can add another middle order batsman or an all-rounder to the squad.
Mayank Agarwal was included for the third test in place of injured Prithvi Shaw who failed to recover from the ankle injury he suffered during India’s practise game against Cricket Australia XI.
“The departure of @PrithviShaw is a bigger setback than the Test loss to Australia. Perhaps we should ask @ashwinravi99 to open with Mayank Agarwal now? He has an organised defence & a calm head on his shoulders. And that wld free up a slot for a middle-order bat or all-rounder,” Tharoor said in a tweet.
