According to the latest reports, India batter Shubman Gill could be a doubt for the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth.
India have been practicing at the Western Australian Cricket Association (WACA) nets in Perth for the past week or so, ahead of their series opener against Australia at the Optus Stadium.
Much of the focus around India's team selection has been on the opening slot. Regular opener and captain Rohit Sharma has just welcomed his second child, and it is still doubtful whether he will make it to Australia with enough time and match fitness to take part in the first Test.
One of the options that could replace him is Shubman Gill, moving up from his regular No.3 spot. However, the latest reports suggest that this solution might end up going off the table.
According to reports from Times of India and RevSportz, Gill injured his finger while taking a slip catch during India's match simulation practice, which has been underway since Friday.
Reportedly, the early indications are that Gill could miss the first Test, but return in time for the second match in Adelaide which begins on December 6. He is yet to be officially ruled out of the Perth Test, though.
If Gill is indeed confirmed to miss the first game (and Rohit is not available), Yashasvi Jaiswal's opening partner is more or less narrowed down to two options – KL Rahul or Abhimanyu Easwaran. It could also prompt a move up to No.3 for Virat Kohli, and open up the possibility of both Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel making the playing XI.
However, things are further complicated by a couple of knocks to the other batters. On Thursday (November 14), Sarfaraz was spotted leaving the nets early after copping a blow to the elbow, although Wisden.com has learnt there are "no issues" with him.
Rahul was also hit on the elbow, by a delivery from Prasidh Krishna during the match simulation on Friday. He attempted to bat on after receiving medical attention, but had to leave the field soon after. The latest update on his fitness is there is "no major concern".
It had also been reported by the Sydney Morning Heraldon Friday that Kohli had undergone medical scans on Thursday, but speculation over his availability was soon put to rest as he came out to bat later on, on both Thursday and Friday.
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