India vs Australia: Michael Hussey thinks selectors must back Prithvi Shaw ahead of the Melbourne Test

India vs Australia: Michael Hussey thinks selectors must back Prithvi Shaw ahead of the Melbourne Test

Michael Hussey and Prithvi Shaw

Michael Hussey and Prithvi Shaw
Michael Hussey and Prithvi Shaw

Young Indian opener Prithvi Shaw turned up as one of the biggest disappointments for team India during the Adelaide Test. After getting out for a second-ball duck in the first innings, the 21-year old could only add four runs to his team’s total.

Moreover, everyone questioned the technique of Shaw as he got out similarly in both the innings. The Australian pacers exposed his ‘flaw’ of leaving a gap between bat and pad while facing the in-coming deliveries. However, former Aussie batsman Michael Hussey backed the Indian opener ahead of the upcoming Test. 

Hussey said that the Indian selectors need to show some faith in the flamboyant opener at the MCG. He also compared this case with that of Joe Burns where the home team backed him, despite averaging seven in First-Class cricket. 

“I think that selectors should show some faith in Prithvi Shaw. Yes, he didn’t get any runs in this Test match but it’s one Test, against some quality bowling of a difficult pitch to bat,” Hussey told ESPNCricinfo.

Also Read | India vs Australia: ‘I want to see Ajinkya Rahane at number 4,’ says Gautam Gambhir

“Joe Burns was averaging less than 7 in FC cricket. The selectors showed faith in him. He got out cheaply in the first innings but he slowly got his confidence back, worked his way through it. You see the character of the guy, and he ended up scoring 50 not out.”

‘Selectors should stick with Shaw despite he lacked form in Adelaide’

Ricky Ponting
Prithvi Shaw scored 0 and 4 during the two innings at the Adelaide Oval

Hussey felt that Shaw failed at a tough pitch of Adelaide Oval against a quality bowling lineup. He said that the wicket of MCG might suit his batting style that would give him the much-needed confidence. 

“For Prithvi Shaw, find out about his character. Show that faith in him, give him that belief and tell him ‘look, we’re backing you’. The Melbourne pitch will suit him a lot more. It certainly won’t have the same pace and bounce. He’s obviously got enormous talent,” Hussey added.

“What it does is that it sends a great message to the rest of the team. It’s like ‘Look guys, even if you have a bad Test here or there, we’re not going to lose faith in you’. We know you’re good players and we’ll back you. I firmly believe that selectors should stick with Shaw despite not looking in great touch in the Test match.”

Also Read | India vs Australia: Zaheer Khan lists out positives for India to take from defeat in first Test