India's top-order batter Shubman Gill was hit in the nets by Mohammed Siraj's fiery delivery on December 24. Siraj immediately checked on Gill as he stopped batting and looked at his right thumb. The physio rushed to see if Gill needs any assistance. However, after taking some time, Gill sent back the physio and took his guard to face Siraj once again.
Gill was batting on the fresh pitch provided at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) that has ample pace and bounce.
Body blows like these are common while batting in the nets. Earlier, KL Rahul was hit on the finger a couple of days ago. Also, skipper Rohit Sharma was hit on the knee while batting on a pitch which was meant for white-ball cricket. Pacer Akash Deep took a hit too. But there is no injury concern in the Indian camp so far.
"Knee is fine. Nothing has changed since last I spoke. We had two sessions, what can change? I think those pitches which we trained (on), they are used pitches. Today is the only day we are going to get fresher wickets. (We) Will go and see how it is and train accordingly," Rohit said in the press conference.
Rohit defends Gill
Gill missed the first Test at Perth Stadium. In his absence, Devdutt Padikkal was asked to stay back after India A's tour. Padikkal batted at no.3 in Gill's absence. In Adelaide, he registered scores of 31 and 28. In the first innings at The Gabba, he was dismissed for a single by in-form Mitchell Starc.
Rohit defended Gill's lean patch in the series so far as well. Despite the defeat in pink-ball Test, Rohit was happy with how Gill batted in the pink-ball Test at Adelaide Oval.
"Shubman, in both innings in Adelaide I thought he looked good. I am not gonna look too much into Brisbane. Gill has been one of our young prospect playing well. These tours can be challenging same as they (Australia) travel to India. He's a quality (player), just about backing his strength," The 37-year-old said.
Gill's Test debut at MCG
Gill made his Test debut at the MCG in 2020. He missed his half-century in the first innings. Opening alongside Mayank Agarwal, he scored 45 runs. In the run chase, he remained unbeaten for 35. India won the Test by eight wickets under Ajinkya Rahane's leadership.