Fifth Test: Prithvi Shaw unlikely to play at the Oval

Indian cricket team during its practice session at the Oval. Image Source: XtraTime

Debasis Sen, London: If practice sessions are an indication then young Prithvi Shaw may have to wait a little longer to earn his test cap. The youngster from Mumbai looks very unlikely to feature in the playing XI for the fifth and final test match against England at The Oval starting from Friday. It would have been a perfect opportunity for the team management to try the talented Shaw in the inconsequential test match at the Oval. The 18-year-old Prithvi Shaw had a rapid rise in the last couple of years and looks ready for the big stage.

With India’s next big assignment in Tests would be a four-match Test series against Australia on its soil in December this year, it would have been perfect to try the youngster.




Prithvi has an incredible first-class record where he has scored 1418 runs at an impressive average of 56.72. However, it is the other two columns of strike rate and 100s that should have your attention. The youngster has a strike rate of over 76 in the longer format which means he gets his runs quickly and has the ability to change the course of the match in just one session.

Also, seven centuries in 14 games are enough to show that Prithvi Shaw likes to bat long and has a knack for converting starts into big scores – a trait Indian openers are lacking at the moment.




But it looks very likely that the team management may opt for the experienced Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul for the final test match.

Both Dhawan and Rahul have had a disastrous tour so far, failing to give the team a solid start.

There is every possibility that the youngster might fail, but there is nothing to lose. However, if he succeeds, it would be a big win for India in an otherwise disappointing year.




The talented batsman from Mumbai was asked to do some slip catching along with Rishabh Pant. He had a chance to bat at the nets after the top order, indicating the team management might persist with Dhawan and Rahul in the opening order.

Meanwhile, the Indians had a rigorous practice session at the Oval on Wednesday. With the series already decided, the Indians would want to salvage some pride by way of winning the fifth test match which gets underway from Friday. The practice session started with Head coach Ravi Shastri and Captain Virat Kohli giving the team a long pep talk.




The coach and captain were also seen having a long discussion with selector Devang Gandhi.

Ravi Ashwin, who has been a huge disappointment following the first test match at Edgbaston looks doubtful for the final test match of the series. The off-spinner was seen taking rounds of the ground with strength trainer Shankar Basu. Although there were doubts about his fitness, Shastri squashed such reports stating that the off spinner was fit for the fourth test match. If Ashwin does not get fit for the test match then left arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja will get his first chance of the series.




It is very unlikely there will be any change in the fast bowling line up with Ishant, Shami and Bumrah all certain to keep their place in the playing XI. If India decide to go in with two spinner (if Ashwin is fit) then Pandya will have to make way for the off spinner.

Another option will be to try Hanuma Vihari in place of Pandya. The all rounder from Hyderabad was seen having an extended session at the nets. He was also promoted up the order at the nets to bat.




It looks to be seen whether the pep talk from the coach and captain have any positive influence to the side. Well, the fans will have the answer in the next few days.