India’s first Test against Australia sees Devdutt Padikkal and debutant Harshit Rana set to replace key absentees Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill.
New Delhi: India is gearing up to face Australia in the first Test of the pivotal five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, starting on November 22 (Friday) at Perth’s Optus Stadium. The team enters the clash on a low note, having suffered a 3-0 whitewash at home against New Zealand. Adding to their challenges, India will be without two key players—Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, the latter ruled out due to a finger injury. Reports suggest that two promising young talents are set to feature in the Playing XI for this crucial opener.
During an intra-squad practice match at WACA ahead of the first Test against Australia, Shubman Gill sustained a finger injury while fielding. Subsequent scans confirmed a hairline fracture, likely ruling the star batter out of the series opener.
As reported by The Times of India, Devdutt Padikkal is likely to replace Shubman Gill in the playing XI at No. 3 for the first Test. Though not initially part of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad, Padikkal is expected to be included as a replacement for Rohit Sharma, who will miss the series opener following the birth of his baby boy.
Devdutt Padikkal, who traveled to Australia with the India A squad for two four-day matches against Australia A, has been asked to stay back following Rohit Sharma’s confirmed absence and Shubman Gill’s injury.
As per the same report, 22-year-old pacer Harshit Rana is set to debut for India in the first Test against Australia. Rana reportedly impressed during the intra-squad match simulation in Perth with his sharp and effective bouncers.
“Harshit was very impressive in the match simulation at Perth, especially while bowling his bouncers. There’s a good chance that he will make his India debut at Perth,” a source close to the proceedings informed the publication.
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