Australia vs India 2018-19: 4 possible replacements for the injured Prithvi Shaw for the first Test

3. Hanuma Vihari

Hanuma Vihari - A fair option

The third and fourth options necessitate Chateshwar Pujara to move up the order to the opener's spot. The entire batting line-up would have to move one position above in order to create a spot in the middle-order.

Hanuma Vihari started his Test career with a half-century against England at the Oval. However, he couldn’t find a place in the team in the home series against the West Indies, when India opted to go in with five bowlers.

Now, in the absence of Shaw, he finds himself in the reckoning for a spot in the middle-order. Vihari is also a useful part-time off-spinner.

Although Vihari is a fair option in the middle-order, his selection is doubtful considering the other big names in the middle-order.

4. Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma - The most tempting option

Rohit Sharma is back into the Test squad on the basis of his performances in white ball cricket. Besides, experts feel that the fast and bouncy wickets of Australia would suit stroke-makers like him.

Over the years, master blasters like Sandeep Patil, Kris Sreekanth and Virender Sehwag have succeeded in Australia. The Indian team management would be delighted to see Rohit Sharma succeed in Australia, following the footsteps of these great players.

However, promoting Rohit as an opener in Australian conditions might backfire. He still hasn't proven his mettle against quality pace and swing, and if he becomes a liability in the team, that could seriously harm India's chances of starting the series on a good note.

To sum up, Murali Vijay is the obvious and safe option, Parthiv Patel the most unlikely option, Hanuma Vihari a fair option and Rohit Sharma the most tempting and attractive option. The unfortunate injury to Prithvi Shaw has opened up opportunities for many other contenders in the Indian team.