Shubman Gill hasn’t taken the field on the fourth morning of the second IND vs ENG Test in Visakhapatnam today (February 5): here is why.
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As India took the field on day four of the second Test in Vizag, their centurion from the second innings, Shubman Gill, was found absent. Gill scored an important hundred on day three, his third in Test cricket, to take India’s lead to a substantial 398.
Gill had played an important part in the field as well on the second day, taking as many as four catches, with three of them coming in the slips. In the process, he became the 13th Indian fielder (non-wicketkeeper) to take four or more catches in an innings in Test cricket.
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Presenting centurion Shubman Gill 👍 👍 – By @ameyatilak #TeamIndia | #INDvENG | @ShubmanGill | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/KeRf8mQAFk
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 5, 2024
However, he hasn’t taken the field on day four due to a finger injury he sustained while taking a catch on the second day of the Test, and won’t be available throughout the day. Sarfaraz Khan, who earned his maiden Test call-up for this game, has been fielding as a substitute since the start of play on day four.
As of now, there’s no further update on the extent of Gill’s injury.
Gill’s absence in the field on day four also means that he batted and scored a hundred on day three with an injured finger, making his effort all the more remarkable. Battling with poor form, Gill used all the luck that he had on his side and crafted a memorable knock just when the voices for his removal were getting too loud.
Chasing 399, England started day four at 67-1 and lost five wickets in the morning session to place India firmly in the driver’s seat. At lunch, their score read 194-6, needing another 205 runs for victory.