Sachin Tendulkar names the ‘confirmed starter’ as India’s opener for Australia Tests

Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar reckons that Mayank Agarwal is a ‘confirmed starter’ for the four-match Test series against Australia. Back in December 2018, it was during India’s previous tour of Australia itself that the right-hander forayed into international cricket. Ever since then, he has averaged a stunning 57.29 with three centuries and is also closing in on the 1,000-run mark.

Sachin selected Rohit Sharma as Agarwal’s first-choice opening partner. However, since Sharma has been ruled out of the first two Tests, either Prithvi Shaw or KL Rahul should be the partnering Agarwal at the top of the order.

“Mayank, I know, is a confirmed starter because he has scored big runs and if Rohit is fit and available, then he should be there. Between other guys (Prithvi Shaw, KL Rahul), that will be the management’s decision as they would be knowing who’s the form man,” Tendulkar was quoted as saying in Hindustan Times.

India also have Shubman Gill as a genuine opener, but he hasn’t played Test cricket yet, though he has taken part in a couple of ODIs for Team India back in the 2019 tour of New Zealand.

I am sure India is ready for it, says Sachin Tendulkar

Last time around when India won the series 2-1 on Australian soil, David Warner and Steve Smith didn’t take part due to their suspension period. However, both have found their mojo back after comeback. Moreover, Marnus Labuschagne has come up the ranks in the last one and half years or so. Sachin feels that the trio could be hard to dislodge for the visiting unit.

“Smith, (David) Warner and (Marnus) Labuschagne will be a factor and I am confident that the Indian team will leave no stone unturned as far as preparations are concerned. These two seniors back in the team and also with Labuschagne in there, it makes it a much better batting unit. It will be a bit more competitive series and I am sure India is ready for it,” he stated.

Sachin admitted that Virat Kohli missing the last three Tests would leave a massive void, but he also sounded confident about India’s bench-strength.

“Virat not being there without a doubt is a big void but also, on the other hand, the kind of bench strength that we have and the talent that is available, it is a good opportunity for somebody to establish himself,” Sachin added.

The opening Test is scheduled to get underway on December 17 at the Adelaide Oval.