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Regular-article-logo Friday, 26 April 2024

Prithvi Shaw skips practice

Shaw had a swelling on his left foot and will undergo a blood test on Thursday to ascertain the reason

Agencies Christchurch Published 27.02.20, 09:57 PM
Prithvi Shaw

Prithvi Shaw File picture

Young opener Prithvi Shaw missed Thursday’s training session due to a swelling on his left foot, increasing the Indian team management’s worries ahead of the second Test against New Zealand beginning Saturday.

According to sources, Shaw will undergo a blood test on Thursday to ascertain the reason of the swelling.

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In case the medical report is favourable, a call will be taken during Friday’s practice session on his availability for the second Test. If Shaw is not comfortable while batting, he will not make it to the playing XI.

Shubman Gill had a good net session on Thursday and it is expected that he would be asked to open the innings alongside Mayank Agarwal if Shaw is unable to make it.

During Thursday’s nets, head coach Ravi Shastri was seen paying extra attention to Gill. At one point, Shastri walked up to Gill and was seen giving technical inputs about footwork to Gill and what’s required to check his uppish drives.

The team management is hopeful that the swelling will not be a serious concern for Shaw. The Mumbai opener didn’t even take part in the customary warm-up session where players had a good time playing touch rugby.

Shaw had a poor outing in the first Test in Wellington, getting dismissed cheaply in both innings. Tim Southee got him for 16 with an unplayable delivery in the first innings and he also found Trent Boult’s short ball difficult to negotiate when he was on 14 in the second essay.

There is talk that Ravindra Jadeja may be preferred over Ravichandran Ashwin to strengthen the batting. The off-spinner bowled well in Wellington but failed with the bat in both innings.

Virat Kohli has already said he has confidence in Shaw’s ability and will certainly play him if he is fit.

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