Injury scare for Shubman Gill ahead of 1st Test at Perth

Opener Shubman Gill faced an injury scare ahead of the first Test in Perth for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, scheduled to begin on November 22. The injury occurred during an intra-squad training match at the Western Australian Cricket Association (WACA) ground. According to *ESPNCricinfo*, Gill sustained a left-hand injury while fielding in the slips and did not return on the second day of the intra-squad match. It remains unclear whether the injury will impact his availability for the opening Test at the Optus Stadium.

Gill, a regular number three batter for India in Tests over the past year, is also in contention for the opening spot alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. This could become crucial if skipper Rohit Sharma, who announced the birth of his second child with wife Ritika on Saturday, is unavailable for the first Test. It is yet to be confirmed whether Rohit will travel to Perth and participate in the match.

Meanwhile, KL Rahul, another experienced opening option for India, left the field on day one of the simulation match after being struck on the elbow by a short delivery. He did not return for the remainder of the day and was absent from action on Saturday as well. Bengal batter Abhimanyu Easwaran, who had a disappointing India A-Australia A series with scores of 0, 7, 17, and 12, remains another potential candidate for the opening role.

During the simulation match, Gill scored 28 in his first innings before being caught at gully off Navdeep Saini's delivery. He later returned to the crease and remained unbeaten on 42*. The young batter will look to emulate Cheteshwar Pujara's role, who was known for wearing down Australian bowlers with his solid defence.

In 14 matches batting at number three, Gill has scored 926 runs at an average of 42.09, with three centuries and three fifties, including a highest score of 119*. This year, he has been in excellent form, amassing 806 runs at an average of 47.41 in 19 innings, with three centuries and three fifties, his highest score also being 119*.

The highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar series between India and Australia begins on November 22 in Perth. The second Test, a day-night match, will take place under lights at Adelaide Oval from December 6 to 10. The third Test is scheduled at The Gabba in Brisbane from December 14 to 18. The series will continue with the iconic Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26 to 30, before concluding with the fifth and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7. (ANI)