The first Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy, which starts in Perth on Friday, will not feature top-order batsman Shubman Gill due to a thumb fracture, which is a blow to India’s Test team. While fielding during Saturday’s match simulation in Perth, Gill suffered a thumb fracture.
“His thumb is not looking good. We got a scan done, and it showed a fracture. It will take him at least two weeks to recover. He is ruled out for the first Test match. As there is a big gap between the first and second tests, we are hoping he will recover in time for the second test,” a BCCI source said.
India’s batting lineup will be rearranged in Gill’s absence, while Rohit Sharma, the Test captain, may not be available due to the birth of the second child. With Gill not playing the first Test, KL Rahul, who was dropped for the home matches against New Zealand in the second and third Tests, will likely go to play.
On Friday, the opening day of the simulation match, Rahul was struck by a short ball on the elbow. According to a BCCI source, Rahul is likely to resume his batting on Sunday morning and will be fit to play the first Test.
After some medical treatment from the physiotherapist, the 32-year-old attempted to continue batting, but, after being struck by the rising ball, Rahul chose to leave the field. After being originally projected for a middle-order position prior to India’s home Test series against New Zealand, with the support of captain Rohit and head coach Gautam Gambhir.
If Rohit does not go to Australia prior to the first Test match, Dhruv Jurel, the wicketkeeper batsman, is also expected to be included in the squad. In a recent game in Melbourne, Jurel hit 80 and 68 against Australia A. Despite his current form, he might only be used as a batsman, with Rishabh Pant keeping wickets.
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