Abhimanyu Easwaran to debut in Perth Test as Shubman Gill ruled out with fractured thumb

In a huge development, the domestic cricket veteran Abhimanyu Easwaran is in line to make his debut for the India National Cricket Team in Test cricket.

The injury to Shubman Gill ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 opener, along with the unavailability of Rohit Sharma, has opened the door for Abhimanyu Easwaran to don the whites for the India National Cricket Team.

Also Read: Sai Sudharsan or Ex-RCB star to stay with India Test team in Australia amid growing concerns

Shubman Gill fractures his left thumb

On Saturday, November 16, the news of Shubman Gill suffering an injury to his thumb broke. On day 2, the young India player sustained an injury to his left thumb while fielding in the slips during the match simulation against India A.

Shubman Gill was seen in considerable pain after hurting his thumb and was immediately taken for the scans. The reports of scans came as a major blow to India and Shubman Gill fractured his left thumb, as per PTI.

Due to this, Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the first Test against Australia, which will begin on November 22. A thumb fracture takes approximately 14 days to heal after which one is expected to start his regular net sessions.

This means, Gill might be match-fit in time for the second Test, which is scheduled to be played in Adelaide from December 6.

Abhimanyu Easwaran likely to get debut cap

There was a possibility of Shubman Gill moving from No.3 and opening the innings with Yashasvi Jaiswal in the Test series opener against Australia with Rohit Sharma likely to skip the match.

Notably, Rohit Sharma and his wife Ritika Sajdeh were blessed with their second child on November 15 and the Indian skipper is planning to stay with his family in Mumbai for some more time.

However, with Shubman Gill now ruled out, Abhimanyu Easwaran could reportedly be in line for his Test debut. He was included in the squad as a backup opener along with KL Rahul.

Talking about Rahul, who Gautam Gambhir confirmed is seen as the opening option, the batter also suffered an injury scare during the intra-squad match. He suffered a blow on his elbow while facing pacer Prasidh Krishna on the opening day.

After getting hit, Rahul didn’t take the field on the second day of the match simulation. However, it has been reported he isn't injured and the team management is just taking a precautionary measure.

Mohammed Shami likely to join Team India soon

According to the same PTI report, Mohammed Shami is all set to join the India Test squad in Australia very soon. He will miss the Perth Test but will definitely be with the squad ahead of the commencement of the second Test.

Mohammed Shami made his competitive cricket return during the Ranji Trophy match between Bengal and Madhya Pradesh at the Holkar Cricket Stadium.

In the first innings with the ball, he bowled 19 overs and gave away 54 runs while picking up 4 wickets. In the second innings, he bowled 24.2 overs and bagged 3 wickets while giving away 102 runs.