Shubman Gill has hurt his thumb finger in Perth during India’s match simulation session. (Reuters)
In a setback for India’s Test team, a thumb fracture has ruled out top-order batsman Shubman Gill from the first Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy which begins in Perth from next Friday. Gill fractured his thumb when he was fielding during a match simulation session in Perth on Saturday.
“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 Test, we are hoping he will recover in time for the second Test,” a BCCI source said.
Gill’s absence will result in a rejig of India’s batting line-up which could also be without Test captain Rohit Sharma because of the birth of the second child. With Gill not playing the first Test, KL Rahul, who was dropped for the second and third Test matches at home against New Zealand is likely to get a game.
Rahul was struck on the elbow by a short ball during the first day of the simulation match on Friday. According to a BCCI source, Rahul is likely to resume his batting on Sunday morning and will be fit to play the first Test.
Though the 32-year-old tried to continue batting after some medical assistance from the physio, Rahul decided to walk off the field after being hit by the rising ball. The Karnataka batter has been riding a rough patch after being initially slated for a middle-order spot before India’s home Test series against New Zealand with the backing from captain Rohit and head coach Gautam Gambhir.
Dhruv Jurel, the wicket-keeper batsman is also likely to come into the squad if Rohit does not travel to Australia before the first Test match. Jurel scored 80 and 68 against Australia A in a tur game in Melbourne and his current form may see him play purely as a batsman with Rishabh Pant keeping wickets.
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