Indian cricket team's young talented opener Mayank Agarwal was ruled out of the India vs England opening Test match, starting Wednesday, after a short-pitched ball from pacer Mohammad Siraj struck on the helmet during a practice session.
Mohammed Siraj is undoubtedly one of the fastest bowlers among the Indian bowling attack who have gone for India's tour of England. During the practice session, Mayank took his eyes off a short ball, after which the ball hit the helmet in the back of his head. When Indian Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane was asked about this, he said that Mayank suffered a concussion.
In Mayank's absence, let's have a look at players who can replace him in India's playing XI for Ind vs Eng 1st test
1. Lokesh Rahul: In-form KL Rahul has the experience of opening the innings for team India against the new shining Duke ball, but nowadays he prefers to play in the middle order.
2. Hanuma Vihari: Though many experts have suggested that Vihari should be used only as a middle-order batsman, the 27-year-old is a great teachniqual batsman who can fir sure be tried for the number 1 spot. In 2018, he opened for India at MCG and scored 8 off 66 balls and 13 off 45 balls. He didn't score many runs but was crucial in holding one end and taking the shine off the new ball.
3. Abhimanyu Easwaran: His international experience might fall short against the lethal bowling attack of Stuart Broad and James Anderson but the reserve batsman is a prolific run-scorer in domestic circuit with over 4400 runs and an average of 43.57. Some guidance and support from seniors might help him perform well in England, and as an opener as well.