India suffered a major setback as young batsman Prithvi Shaw has been ruled out of the opening Test of the upcoming four-match series against Australia due to an ankle injury. 


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Confirming the same, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said that the 19-year-old has sustained a lateral ligament injury and, therefore, he would now be required to undergo an intensive rehabilitation program to hasten the recovery.


"Shaw underwent scans this morning and the reports revealed a lateral ligament injury. Prithvi Shaw will be unavailable for the first Test against Australia in Adelaide. He will undergo an intensive rehabilitation program to hasten the recovery and be available for selection at the earliest," the BCCI said in an official statement.



Earlier on Friday, Shaw twisted his ankle while attempting to take a catch off Australian opener Max Bryant on the deep midwicket boundary during the third day of the lone tour match against Cricket Australia XI. As he was trying to flick the ball back into play, he landed awkwardly with his left ankle bending 90-degrees inwards, cricket.com.au reported. 


Medical staff from both sides immediately rushed to attend Shaw, who visibly appeared to be in a lot of pain. He was subsequently carried off the field by India physiotherapist Patrick Farhart and a support staff member into the dressing room before the match resumed.


Earlier, Shaw was certain to open the batting for India in the first Test against Australia. However, it is now to be seen who will grab the top two slots. 


The two sides are slated to play the Test series from December 6 at the Adelaide Oval.