India might have to wait for the return of Shubman Gill as he is racing against time to get fit ahead of the day-night test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy.
India is set to play a pink ball practice game starting on Saturday to prepare for a day-night match at Adelaide Oval.
On this occasion, Gill is certain to miss the match at Canberra and this raises concerns on his availability for the second test. To be noted, he missed the first test due to left thumb fracture while fielding in the intra squad game ahead of the series.
Shubman Gill was advised for rest for couple of weeks and will require some practice match before being available for selection.
“Gill was advised a 10-14 day rest by the medical specialist after suffering that injury. He won’t play in the practice match on the weekend, and is doubtful at the moment for the second Test too.”
“Let’s see how much his injury has healed, how his finger feels. Even after it has healed, he’ll need some quality practice before playing a Test match,” a source said.
Former India selector Jati Paranjape had said that Gill could be missing two to three tests due to the injury.
“I know from past experience that finger injuries, especially like the one he has suffered to the thumb take two to four weeks to heal, so don’t be surprised if he misses two to three Test matches,” said Paranjape.
Making his debut in India’s Australia tour nearly four year ago, Shubman Gill has give his invaluable contribution while opening at fourth and final test at Gabba in Brisbane where India become the first team to secure back-to-back test series win in Australia.
Since, then he had been recognized as all format batter. However, Gill requested former head coach Rahul Dravid to let him bat at no.3 and the former India captain agreed.
Gill has better returns since dropping no.3 with three centuries. His average of 42.07 at No.3 is higher that his career average of 36.73. Gill’s injury and regular captain Rohit Sharma’s unavailability in the first test forced India to make a few changes to their top order.
Meanwhile KL Rahul was pushed back up the order with Yashasvi Jaiswal which has been successful with recording a double century opening stand to reclaim his spot as Jaiswal’s partner.
Rahul might silde down to No.3 if Gill fails to regain his fitness in time. Meanwhile Devdut padikkal could miss the spot in playing 11.
Securing a 295-run victory in first test, India will be looking for another victory during the second test starting on December 06 at Adelaide Oval.
