Prithvi Shaw resumes jogging; could feature in Boxing Day Test

His sudden exit from the scene ahead of the first Test in Adelaide was a blow for India. But teenage sensation Prithvi Shaw on Monday resumed jogging and it would make the Indian team and fans hopeful of the opening batsman making a comeback soon in the series. The 19-year-old who made a dream debut at home against the Windies in October averages over 100 in Tests at the moment and the fragile-looking opening slots require him to import some stability.

Shaw was ruled out days ahead of the first Test after he suffered a nasty ligament injury while fielding in the warm-up match against Cricket Australia XI in Sydney last month. He scored a fast half-century in the only innings he batted in that match, giving enough hint that he was carrying his good form Down Under. But his sudden injury forced Virat Kohli’s team to change plans. India went ahead with KL Rahul and Murali Vijay in the Test and although they failed in the first innings, the second essay saw a far better performance from the openers who put up a 50-plus partnership to help India strengthen their position in the game.

Shaw was spotted with his ankle heavily strapped at the Adelaide Oval last week. However, on Monday, he was seen jogging on the sidelines with a protective brace on and could only feature in the third Test in Melbourne starting December 26, the Boxing Day.

“With youth on his side there might just be a case where he might recover quicker. We’ll make a call as and when we get closer to Perth,” Times of India cited reports as quoting India head coach Ravi Shastri. The second Test of the series will start at Perth Stadium on December 14.

Shaw’s injury brought Rahul and Vijay together again

Shaw was set to open with either Rahul or Vijay in the first Test and his injury saw the other two chipping in as openers with Rohit Sharma coming in at No. 6. However, none of the three batsmen could manage a half-century in the match even as India dominated the match. While Rahul scored 2 and 44, Vijay made 11 and 18 while Rohit managed 37 and 1.

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