Parthiv top-scores and extends his run of hits

In fact, leading upto the First Test, Parthiv had four hits in the Irani Trophy and practice match, acquitting himself creditably in all four.

‘‘He’s an invaluable member of the side’’, says former Test batsman Sanjay Manjrekar. ‘‘The way he has batted, he’s displayed every single quality of a Test batsman. He is courageous and always ready for a fight.’’

This showed up strongly in the way he handled Shoaib Akhtar in the last Test in Rawalpindi. There was one spell in that match where the quickie was really steaming in, yet Parthiv seemed to have all the time in the world tomplay his shots.

So should he be promoted higher in the order? ‘‘No way, he is a perfect No 7 batsman, even No 6 is too high for him,’’ said Manjrekar.

Despite all the kudos he has earned for his batting, Parthiv’s main function, keeping, remains a weak area. Just what does Parthiv have to do? ‘‘I hope the board looks after Parthiv’s future. He needs to be sent to an academy or an expert for some length of time. His problems are more technical than anything else.’’

Another former Test player, Laxman Sivaramakrishnan, believes his batting will have a positive effect on his keeping as well. ‘‘The problem is he tends to get up too soon when he is keeping on Indian pitches. He needs to work on that rightaway.’’

Yet despite these string of performances both Manjrekar and Siva believe this is just not the time for a return to one-day cricket. If only his batting was half as good in ODIs, Parthiv would probably have been Rahul Dravid’s best friend today.