In a crucial practice match at the WACA in Perth, Team India geared up for the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT Trophy) against Australia. While Ruturaj Gaikwad impressed with his batting form, the game brought some worrying news — Shubman Gill suffered a finger injury, casting doubt on his availability for the first Test.
Day 1 Recap: A Mix of Promise and Worry
KL Rahul and young Yashasvi Jaiswal opened the innings for India. Rahul started confidently, handling the challenging pace attack with finesse. However, his stint was cut short by a nasty bouncer from Prasidh Krishna that struck him on the elbow. He had to leave the field for medical attention, adding to India’s concerns with Rohit Sharma yet to join the camp.
Jaiswal, known for his aggressive style, didn’t disappoint. He unleashed some stunning drives, reaching a solid 52 before being caught at slip. The young left-hander’s intent was clear — he’s ready to fight for a top-order spot in the BGT Trophy.
Kohli and Pant’s Battles: Moments of Brilliance Amid Concerns
Virat Kohli brought a sense of nostalgia to the fans with a beautiful cover drive early in his innings. However, he was soon dismissed for just 15, edging one to the slips. Always striving for perfection, Kohli immediately headed to the nets, spending time fine-tuning his technique.
Rishabh Pant, battling a groin strain, showed glimpses of his trademark aggression. He stepped out against the pacers, taking risks, but struggled to convert his starts into significant scores. Fatigue seemed to play a part, with both Nitish Kumar Reddy and Mukesh Kumar claiming his wicket.
Shubman Gill’s Setback: A Nervous Wait
Shubman Gill, under pressure to prove his form ahead of the BGT Trophy, had a cautious start with a score of 28 in his first outing. In his second innings, he looked more composed, building a crucial partnership with Jaiswal and ending unbeaten on 42. However, a finger injury during the game left fans and team management anxious about his participation in the series opener.
Bowling Highlights: Pacer Dominance and Spin Challenges
The bowlers had their moments too. Prasidh Krishna and Mukesh Kumar extracted impressive bounce and pace, troubling the Indian batters. Washington Sundar and Tanush Kotian also delivered sharp spells of spin, testing the batters with tricky turn and bounce. Nitish Kumar Reddy stood out, taking key wickets and showcasing his ability to challenge even the most seasoned players.
The practice match wrapped up with India scoring 339/8 in 75 overs. Virat Kohli, who scored 30, showed his fighting spirit, while Pant’s aggressive approach had mixed outcomes. With just a few days left before the BGT Trophy opener, fitness issues loom large, but the team hopes their rigorous preparation will help them face Australia confidently in Perth.
