The openers of a team play a vital role in a match as they negate the new ball and their solid play sets a positive stage for the rest of the squad to capitalize on.
Team India has had a few issues with their opening pair in the longest format of the game for some recent years. 19-year-old teenage prodigy Prithvi Shaw seemed to be their best solution as he has been impressive to answer India’s problems at the top.
But the team was jolted with a heavy blow when Prithvi received an injury while playing in the ongoing warmup game.
JUST IN: India opener Prithvi Shaw has been ruled out of the first #AUSvIND Test after suffering a lateral ligament injury in his left ankle.
Details ⬇️https://t.co/KjGbVEG1z7 pic.twitter.com/sdOgFEDjpX
— ICC (@ICC) November 30, 2018
Shaw was fielding at deep mid-wicket fence when he leaped to catch the ball hit by CA XI opener Max Bryant. He tried to keep the ball in play as momentum carried him beyond.
In the process he left leg hit the ground awkwardly and it got twisted. He was grimacing with pain and the Indian physio Patrick Farhat instantly rushed to the scene as Prithvi was unable to put any pressure on his left leg.
He was immediately rushed to the hospital for scans where it was revealed that he had sustained a lateral ligament ankle injury.
It is definitely a major setback for the team as Prithvi was in good touch. He scored a quick fire 66 in the warmup game and confirmed his place in the playing XI of the first Test.
Now the team would have to go in with the opening pair of Murali Vijay and KL Rahul. If the injury turns out to be too serious, India might have to call Mayank Agarwal or Shikhar Dhawan as a replacement.