Sunil Gavaskar bats for Mayank and Rohit to open in third Test

After going through one of its worst defeats in its cricketing history, India made an incredible comeback in the second Test at Melbourne, winning the match by eight wickets after crushing the Australian batting order in both innings.

With Rohit Sharma’s return to the Indian camp, the side will be further strengthened and motivated to establish a lead in the ongoing Test series. However, India will need to sort out its selection issues ahead of the third Test.

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has said that he would keep Mayank Agarwal and have him open India’s innings with Rohit.

“I would be keeping Mayank Agarwal. I know he’s not looked good but he’s a quality player. I would keep him in the side and open the batting with Rohit,” Gavaskar said in the show Extra Innings on Sony Sports Network.

“Despite the fact that Shubman Gill has looked so good at the top, I’d look to bat him at No.5,” Gavaskar added. Gill who made his debut at Melbourne Cricket Ground in the second test, scored 45 and 35 not out.

Gavaskar felt that Gill would be more suited in the middle order.

“I’m not too sure, that with his approach he would be too successful at the opening position also at the U19 level he was batting down the order so I think for Shubman Gill no.5 would be the ideal position,” he added.

“The rest of the team should remain same and obviously if Gill bats at five, (Hanuma) Vihari goes out automatically,” he said.

India and Australia will face each other in Sydney for the third Test which begins on January 7.