In a major blow to India, star batter Shubman Gill is all set to miss the first Test of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Cricbuzz reported. Gill hurt his left thumb while taking a catch in the slip cordon of India's match simulation ahead at the WACA Ground in Perth on Saturday, November 16.
He picked up the injury on Day 2 of India's match simulation against India A. The report added that the initial scans showed that Gill has a hairline fracture and is set to miss the series opener due to the same reason.
Gill batted two times on Friday and looked in good touch. However, he fractured his thumb while taking a catch in the slips on Day 2.
It would be a major blow for India if Gill ends up missing the series opener. Captain Rohit Sharma is already in doubt for the series opener due to the birth of his second child. He and his wife Ritika Sajdeh welcomed a baby boy on Friday, November 15, however, there is still no clarity on whether Rohit will be available for the first game or not. The first Test is set to begin on November 22 at the Perth Stadium.
There have been more injury concerns for India heading into the five-match series. KL Rahul and Sarfaraz Khan have also copped blows during India's preparations for the five-match series. Rahul was hit on his right elbow during Day 1 of the match simulation, while Sarafraz also copped a blow to his elbow during India's training session on Thursday.
Gill has made himself an automatic choice for the No.3 spot. He used to open the innings at the start of his Test career and even made his format debut in Australia three years ago when India famously won the four-match series 2-1. He has moved to the No.3 spot to accommodate a place for rising star Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has taken the opening slot like fish to water since his debut in the West Indies more than a year ago.
