In a significant setback for India’s Test cricket team, opening batsman Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the first Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia due to a thumb fracture. The match is set to begin in Perth next Friday. Gill sustained the injury during a fielding simulation session on Saturday. According to a BCCI source, Gill’s scans confirmed the fracture, and he is expected to need at least two weeks for recovery. This development forces a reshuffle in India’s batting order, which may also be affected by the potential absence of Test captain Rohit Sharma, who is anticipating the birth of his second child.
With Gill sidelined, KL Rahul is likely to feature in the playing eleven for the first Test. Rahul was struck on the elbow by a short ball during the simulation match on Friday but is expected to resume batting by Sunday and should be fit to play. Despite some initial discomfort, Rahul walked off the field after being attended to by the physio. He has faced challenges in recent outings, having been dropped from India’s previous home series against New Zealand despite initial backing from captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir.
Additionally, Dhruv Jurel, a wicketkeeper-batsman, might join the squad as a specialist batsman if Rohit is unable to travel to Australia in time. Jurel has shown promising form, scoring 80 and 68 against Australia A in a tour match in Melbourne. His inclusion could provide balance to the team, with Rishabh Pant maintaining wicketkeeping duties.
India will aim to adapt swiftly to these changes, seeking to maintain a competitive edge in the crucial series opener.
Original Story https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/shubman-gill-ruled-out-of-first-test-match-in-perth-because-of-fractured-thumb-9673184/
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Publish Date: 2024-11-16 19:22:00
