Former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar has backed Abhimanyu Easwaran to bat at one down in the opening Test match against England. Bangar noted that Easwaran has been consistently traveling with the team and deserves his opportunity at number three.

Earwaran has scored 7841 runs in 103 first-class matches at an impressive average of 48.70 and he has been knocking on the selector’s doors for sometime.

Bangar said he would like India to open with KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal and believes the trio of Abhimanyu Easwaran, Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair will battle for two batting positions – number three and six.

“For the first Test, my top three would be KL Rahul to bat along with Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top, and for No. 3 and No. 6, there are two batting spots vacant for the team. Two among the three players that I have in mind – Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran and Karun Nair, two out of those three will find their place in the playing XI,” Sanjay Bangar said on Star Sports show Game Plan.

“I am of the opinion that, because Abhimanyu Easwaran has traveled with the team quite a bit, he should get the first go, and he has also scored runs in the practice match that they played,” Bangar reasoned.

On the other hand, the former Indian all-rounder backed newly appointed captain Shubman Gill to bat at number four.

“I do think so. Hereon, you will see Shubman Gill batting at No. 4, and we just hope that he stays at that particular number itself and starts scoring a lot of runs at that position,” Bangar replied when asked if Gill would bat at number four.

Bangar said there would be a lot of comfort in the Indian dressing room if Gill can deliver at number four.

“Historically, No. 4s have scored a lot of runs for India in Test matches. So, if he can make that spot his own, it can create a lot of comfort or security within the team as well,” Bangar observed.

The opening Test match between India and England will be played at Leeds, Headingley, from June 20 onwards.