NEW DELHI: Team India bowling coach Morne Morkel provided an update on Shubman Gill‘s fitness ahead of the first Test in Perth, starting November 22. He indicated that Gill’s condition is improving daily, with the final selection decision to be made on match morning.
“Shubman is improving on a day-by-day basis. We will take a call on the morning of the Test. He played well in the match simulation during the build-up, so fingers crossed,” Morkel said during a media interaction.
Gill fractured his thumb while fielding in the slips during the match simulation in Perth on Saturday (November 16), as reported by TimesofIndia.com.
A source close to the developments had confirmed Gill’s injury and the severity of it after scans.
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In the simulation match, Gill scored 28 in the first innings before being caught at gully off Navdeep Saini’s delivery. He later returned to bat, remaining unbeaten on 42*.
Gill’s current season statistics show 806 runs from 10 matches and 19 innings, with an average exceeding 47, including three centuries and fifties, with 119* as his highest score.
At the number three position, his record shows 926 runs from 14 matches, averaging 42.09, with three centuries and fifties across 25 innings.
Morkel also discussed Mohammed Shami’s situation, who recently returned from an ankle injury, taking seven wickets for Bengal against Madhya Pradesh in a Ranji Trophy fixture.
“We are keeping a close eye on Shami. He has been out for a year. For us, it is a massive win that he is back playing. How we can give him the best support to find his feet again? Working closely with the people back home. He is a world-class bowler,” Morkel elaborated.
Shami has been selected for Bengal’s upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy squad.
The series opener commences on Friday at Perth’s Optus Stadium. Both teams, currently occupying the top positions in the ICC World Test Championship standings, aim to strengthen their final prospects. India seek recovery following an unexpected home defeat to New Zealand, whilst Australia hope to prevent a third consecutive home series loss to India.
The second Test, a day-night match at the Adelaide Oval, is scheduled from December 6 to 10. The third Test will follow at The Gabba in Brisbane, from December 14 to 18.
The Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground, running from December 26 to 30, will serve as the penultimate game, with the series concluding at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7. This thrilling finale promises a fitting end to the high-stakes series.
