In preparation for the highly anticipated pink-ball Test against Australia at Adelaide Oval, Indian batting prodigy Shubman Gill was spotted honing his skills in the nets at Canberra. Team India is currently in the city to face the Prime Minister's XI in a two-day pink-ball warm-up game at Manuka Oval. This match offers Indian players a chance to adapt to the challenges posed by the pink ball before the crucial second Test in Adelaide.
India heads into the Adelaide Test with momentum, having secured a dominant 295-run victory in the series opener at Perth. However, the ghosts of their infamous 2021 Adelaide Test, where they were bowled out for just 36 runs, serve as a stark reminder that Australia could stage a fierce comeback at any moment.
Gill, who missed the first Test due to a thumb injury, showcased a strong defensive technique during the practice session. His confident handling of the bat offered a glimmer of hope for fans eager to see him back in action. Many anticipate that Gill, who played a stellar knock of 91 during India’s historic Gabba chase in 2021, will play a pivotal role in the Adelaide Test. That memorable innings was part of a breakthrough series for Gill, where he amassed 259 runs across three matches, averaging an impressive 51.80.
The young batter has been in excellent form this season, scoring 806 runs in 10 matches at an average of over 47, including three centuries. Batting at number three—a position he will retain in the ongoing series—Gill has accumulated 926 runs in 14 matches, averaging 42.09, with three centuries to his name.
In another update, Indian captain Rohit Sharma has joined the team in Australia following the birth of his second child. Sharma will participate in the two-day warm-up match in Canberra, further bolstering India’s preparations for the day-night encounter in Adelaide.
Meanwhile, head coach Gautam Gambhir has temporarily returned to India due to personal reasons and will miss the warm-up fixture. A Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) representative assured that Gambhir would rejoin the squad ahead of the Adelaide Test, which begins on December 6.
As India continues its quest for Border-Gavaskar Trophy glory, fans eagerly await the team’s response to the challenges ahead, with players like Gill and Rohit poised to make a significant impact.