High-flying Team India has received a significant injury boost ahead of the second Test against Australia, with star batsman Shubman Gill returning to training after recovering from a thumb injury. The right-hander missed the first Test in Perth after fracturing the thumb on his left hand while attempting a low catch during an intra-squad match earlier this month.
In Shubman Gill’s absence, Devdutt Padikkal was handed the number three spot in Perth. However, Padikkal couldn’t capitalize on the opportunity, failing to make a significant impact with the bat. Despite Gill’s unavailability and the absence of captain Rohit Sharma, India registered a dominant 295-run victory to take the lead in the five-match series.
The first Test saw India recover from a shaky start. After being bowled out for a modest 150 in their first innings, the Indian bowlers delivered a stellar performance, dismissing Australia for just 104. Stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah led the charge with a five-wicket haul, while debutant Harshit Rana and Mohammed Siraj chipped in with three and two wickets, respectively.
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India’s second innings was a batting masterclass. Riding on magnificent centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal and former skipper Virat Kohli, the visitors declared at 487/6, setting Australia an insurmountable target of 533 runs. The hosts folded for 238 in their second innings, with Bumrah and Siraj taking three wickets apiece, sealing a comprehensive win for India.
Here is @ShubmanGill back at training in Canberra. @rohitjuglan reports. @BoriaMajumdar @CricSubhayan @debasissen @gargiraut15 pic.twitter.com/WKmvsCF153
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) November 29, 2024
Shubman Gill hits the nets ahead of the pink-ball tour game
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📽️By Sriram Veera https://t.co/new7asiDxn pic.twitter.com/4K6NCOIeCX
— Express Sports (@IExpressSports) November 29, 2024
Ahead of the second Test, scheduled to begin soon, Shubman Gill has fully recovered and was seen training in the nets on Friday (November 29). However, his place in the playing XI remains uncertain. The return of captain Rohit Sharma, who missed the Perth Test to attend the birth of his second child, is likely to lead to at least one change in the lineup.
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KL Rahul, who opened in Rohit’s absence and impressed with scores of 26 and 77, may retain his spot at the top. This could push the management to consider slotting Rahul at number three to accommodate Rohit, making it challenging for Shubman Gill to break into the side despite his return to fitness.
