NEWS
Follow UsIndia suffered a major injury blow before the first Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 Test in Perth, as number three batter Shubman Gill fractured his thumb while fielding in the slips during the match simulation practice at the WACA ground on November 16 (Saturday).
The Times of India (TOI) quoted a ‘well-placed’ source who confirmed Gill’s injury after scans and medical assessment were performed.
“Yes, Gill is injured, and his thumb fractured while fielding during the match simulation. He went for scans after receiving attention from the medical team, and scans revealed a fracture. He looks highly doubtful for the opening Test but should be okay for the second Test,” the source said, as quoted by TOI.
As a result, the batter will remain in Australia for now but is likely to be ready to play only from the second Test, which begins December 6 in Adelaide.
Gill’s injury came after KL Rahul was struck by a ball, after which the batter left the practice session. Even Virat Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan were hit in the WACA nets; however, their injuries didn’t look as concerning, and both continued practice later on.
These injuries might hamper India’s batting order significantly in the first Test, as Rohit Sharma is unlikely to play in Perth after his wife reportedly gave birth to a baby boy. The Indian skipper has been training in Mumbai but is touch and go for the first Test as of now.
Meanwhile, the Indian contingent has been involved in match simulation drills on the central wicket at the iconic WACA in an intra-squad practice session to prepare themselves for the five-match Test series beginning November 22.
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