Sat Nov 16 23:58:15 IST 2024: ## Injury Scare for India: Shubman Gill Suffers Possible Thumb Fracture Ahead of First Test
**Perth, Australia** – India’s preparations for the upcoming Test series against Australia have been hit by another injury blow. Star batsman Shubman Gill sustained a finger injury, potentially a thumb fracture, while fielding during a practice match against India A on Saturday.
The injury comes just a day after KL Rahul was struck on the elbow. While the full extent of Gill’s injury is still being assessed, reports suggest a thumb fracture, which typically requires three to six weeks of recovery time. This casts doubt on his participation in the first Test, starting November 22nd in Perth, and potentially the second Test in Adelaide on December 6th.
The BCCI medical team will monitor Gill closely over the next few days to determine his availability. His absence would be a significant blow to India’s batting lineup, particularly given the unavailability of captain Rohit Sharma, who welcomed a baby boy on November 16th and whose participation in the first Test remains uncertain.
Should both Gill and Rohit miss the Perth Test, Bengal batsman Abhimanyu Easwaran is the leading candidate for a Test debut, opening the batting.
The India A squad will return to India after a final practice match on Sunday, while the main squad will continue preparations in Perth. The team will have three net sessions before the first Test begins on Friday.
First Piper 