The Indian cricket team is facing a setback as their outstanding batsman, Shubman Gill, is ruled out of the second Test against England on day four because of a finger injury. According to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) notification, Gill injured his right index finger during fielding on day two.
“UPDATE: On Day 2, Shubman Gill injured his right index finger during fielding. “He will not be playing today,” BCCI posted on its ‘X’ handle.
UPDATE: Shubman Gill hurt his right index finger while fielding on Day 2. He won’t be taking the field today.#TeamIndia | #INDvENG | @IDFCFIRSTBank
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 5, 2024
Sarfaraz Khan, the domestic cricket prodigy from Mumbai, is covering for the injured Gill. With a century on the third day of the second Test, Gill hushed his detractors, ending a 12-inning slog. Now, he’ll be hoping for a quick recovery. With 11 fours and two sixes, his magnificent 104-run knock was a welcome return to form.
With Jonny Bairstow and Zak Crawley at the crease, batting at nine and 62, respectively, England are currently 166 for four in their record pursuit of 399. Thus far, Ravi Ashwin has secured three vital wickets for India. Day four began with the dismissal of Rehan Ahmad by Axar Patel, who was declared plumb lbw despite hitting 23.
India needs six wickets following Ashwin’s two blows, while England needs 399 to win the Vizag Test.
With contributions from Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Shreyas Iyer, and a strong century from Shubman Gill, the home team took a commanding lead of 398 runs in their second inning. For England, bowlers were crucial, particularly Tom Hartley and Rehan. However, it was Jasprit Bumrah’s valiant efforts that allowed India to defeat England for just 253 runs in their opening inning, taking a commanding lead of 143 runs.
An exciting contest in the second Test of the series was anticipated after the teenaged Yashasvi Jaiswal’s historic double-century highlighted India’s first innings. Afterwards, Ravi Ashwin eliminated Joe Root and Ollie Pope, who had each scored 23. It will be intriguing to watch how England conducts the run chase going forward after dropping four crucial wickets and needing 219 more runs after 38.3 overs of play.