Australia vs India 2018: MSK Prasad Hints at Opening Combination for Boxing Day Test

The Indian National Cricket Team chief selector MSK Prasad has given a hint at the opening combination for the Boxing Day Test against Australia. The Indian team has already announced its playing XI for the third Test match slated to be played at Melbourne. India has three opening options in Rohit Sharma, debutant Mayank Agarwal and Hanuma Vihari.

Meanwhile, Prasad has dropped a hint in which he has stated that Hanuma Vihari is likely to open with Mayank Agarwal. KL Rahul and Murali Vijay were dropped after they continued their dismal performance.

Great opportunity for Hanuma Vihari and Mayank Agarwal.

On the other hand, Mayank Agarwal has scored a truckload of runs in the domestic circuit while playing for Karnataka. The right-hander also had a fine time while playing for India A. Ergo, he was knocking hard at the selection doors.

Consequently, Agarwal has done everything to make his debut for the Indian team. Furthermore, Hanuma Vihari has shown a compact technique and has looked an organised player. Hence, Agarwal and Vihari will make a good opening pair for the visitors.

“We have called in Mayank Agarwal and he is in good form after that India A series, so naturally he gets into the side. And the way Vihari batted, it convinced everybody that he has got that sound technique to play,” said MSK Prasad.

“Going by current form, we all know that the current openers are not really living up to the expected things. That is the reason why… It’s really unfortunate. I can definitely say that it’s really unfortunate but going not only by form but we also look at the combinations – what Vihari can offer, what Parthiv Patel may not offer. All those things are taken into consideration while picking the XI.”

Meanwhile, India could have also gone for experienced Parthiv Patel for the opening position. KL Rahul and Murali Vijay added only 95 runs in the series and have failed to give a solid foundation to the tourists. Thus, they were shown the exit doors from the final XI.

However, Prasad has cleared the air that giving the chance to Hanuma Vihari is not a permanent choice for the team. It would be a great opportunity for Vihari and Agarwal to grab their chances with both hands. The Boxing Day Test match will begin from December 26 at MCG.