India received a big blow only five days before the commencement of the first Test against Australia in Perth. The team’s top-order batsman Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the first Test following a thumb fracture! 

Gill fractured his thumb when he was fielding during a match simulation session in Perth on Saturday.

“His thumb is not looking good. We got a scan done and it showed a fracture. It will take him at least two weeks to recover. He is ruled out for the first Test match. As there is a big gap between the first and second Test, we are hoping he will recover in time for the second Test,” a BCCI source said.

Gill's absence is likely to create an opportunity for KL Rahul to play in the first Test as Indian tea, management is still unsure about Rohit Sharma's participation in the first Test as he has not traveled with the team due to the berth of his son. 

Rahul also was struck on the elbow by a short ball during the first day of the simulation match on Friday. According to a BCCI source, Rahul is likely to resume his batting on Sunday morning and will be fit to play the first Test.

Though the 32-year-old tried to continue batting after some medical assistance from the physio, Rahul decided to walk off the field after being hit by the rising ball. The Karnataka batsman has been riding a rough patch after being initially slated for a middle-order spot before India’s home Test series against New Zealand with the backing from captain Rohit and head coach Gautam Gambhir.