Ajinkya Rahane in the frame for Test selection

With the selectors scheduled to pick the squad for the first Test against England on Monday, Rahane's name is doing the rounds. "Yes, he is in contention. That he can bat at any position is handy," a Board official told SUNDAY MiD DAY on Saturday.

Ajinkya Rahane in full flow against Railways on Friday. PIC/Suresh KK

Rahane, who hit a brilliant 53 for India ‘A' in the recent tour game against England and followed it up with 129 in Mumbai's Ranji Trophy opener against Railways on Friday, may get the nod for his ability to open the innings.

"Since both Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir are not among the runs, Rahane can be a good choice as third opener," the official said.u00a0Sehwag scored only 25 while Gambhir could manage 32 in Delhi's Ranji Trophy opener against Suresh Raina-led Uttar Pradesh.

Gambhir hasn't scored a Test century since January 2010 (against Bangladesh). Sehwag, whose last Test ton came against New Zealand in November 2010, may just escape the axe considering his stature.