Sun Nov 17 07:49:50 UTC 2024: ## Gill Fractures Thumb, Out of First Australia Test
**Perth, Australia – November 16, 2024** – India’s star batsman Shubman Gill will miss the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia due to a fractured thumb. Gill sustained the injury during a practice match at the WACA ground on Saturday while attempting a catch. Scans confirmed the fracture, ruling him out for approximately two weeks. He is expected to be available for the second Test in Adelaide, beginning December 6.
This setback comes just a day after fellow batsman K.L. Rahul suffered a minor blow to his elbow during practice. Rahul’s participation in the Perth Test remains uncertain, pending further assessment.
In response to Gill’s injury, Devdutt Padikkal, who has been training with India A in Australia, will remain with the national team as a backup batsman. The rest of the India A squad is scheduled to return to India on Monday.
The availability of captain Rohit Sharma for the opening Test is also yet to be confirmed, as he is expected to join the team early next week following the recent birth of his child.
First Piper 