Shubman Gill defies odds; miraculously steps on Perth pitch before 1st Test

Young Indian cricketer Shubman Gill has provided a major update ahead of the first Test match against Australia during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT 2024-25). Notably, it has been reported that Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the first Test of the five-match series after suffering a thumb injury.

The 25-year-old injured his thumb while fielding in the slips during a match simulation against India A in Perth. Gill left the field and did not return to play in the intra-squad training match. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not provided any official update on his availability for the first Test.

Shubman Gill Spotted Checking Perth Pitch Ahead of Series Opener

Amidst the report of being ruled out of the first Test match, Gill made his presence on the field at the Optus Stadium in Perth on Wednesday, November 20. Reputed media outlet RevSportz revealed images of Shubman checking the pitch. Rishabh Pant was also seen with Gill in the image.

Shubman is out there checking the pitch. https://t.co/0nPZY4Gd47

— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) November 20, 2024

Shubman Gill was part of the Indian team that won the 2020-21 series in Australia. The right-handed batter scored 259 runs at an average of 51.80, including two half-centuries. His past record gives Indian fans confidence in his ability to perform against quality Test bowlers in Australian conditions.

Gill Is Improving On Day By Day Basis - Morne Morkel

Speaking at a press conference, Morne Morkel provided an update on Gill, stating that the batter is improving daily. He said that a decision on Gill's availability for the Test will be made on the morning of the match. Morkel also said that Gill performed well in the match simulation.

"On Shubman Gill, he is improving on a day-by-day basis. We will take a call on the morning of the test. He played well in the match simulation in the build-up. So fingers crossed," Morkel told reporters.

Devdutt Padikkal to Play at No. 3 for India in Perth Test?

The Board of Control for Cricket in India added Karnataka left-handed batter Devdutt Padikkal to the squad due to availability concerns for Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. Padikkal was part of the India 'A' tour, where he scored 36, 88, 26, and 1 in four innings against Australia 'A' in challenging conditions.

Padikkal could bat at No. 3 if Gill fails to make it to the playing XI for the first Test, which is set to be played at Optus Stadium in Perth, starting on Friday, November 22. There is a 10-day gap between the first and second Test, which will allow the visiting team to strengthen the squad with Rohit and Gill.

The selectors also picked opener Abhimanyu Easwaran for Australia, but he struggled in the tour matches, scoring 7, 12, 0, and 17 against Australia 'A'. It seems India will go with KL Rahul as the opening partner for Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Also read: Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar OUT!! Gautam Gambhir locks India's playing 11 vs Australia