Image credit: BCCI/Twitter
Prithvi Shaw has been ruled out of India’s first Test against Australia, which begins on December 6 in Adelaide. Shaw suffered a horrific ankle injury while attempting to take a catch on the third day of India’s warm-up game against Cricket Australia XI in Sydney.
It is currently unclear if Shaw will even be fit in time for the second Test in Perth. He was later seen hobbling with the aid of crutches.
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“Shaw underwent scans this morning and the reports revealed a lateral ligament injury,” a BCCI statement said. “Shaw will be unavailable for the First Test against Australia in Adelaide. He will undergo an intensive rehabilitation program to hasten the recovery.”
With Prithvi Shaw out, it’s likely that KL Rahul will hold his spot as opener. He will possible be accompanied by M Vijay, who recently completed a stint with Essex in the County Championship.
“In whichever format he’s played he’s made a mark straightaway,” batting coach Sanjay Bangar said of Shaw’s ability. “Wherever he has played he has shown he can adapt to conditions and the stage as well. He plays with a lot of clarity and the impressive thing about him is he gets into good position. The fearlessness of youth probably helps him.”