AUS vs IND 2024-25: Morne Morkel shares update on Shubman Gill's injury status

Star batter Shubman Gill fractured his left thumb during an attempt to take a low catch in the slip cordon on the second day of India's simulated training game. Reports had all but ruled out the Punjab batter from the first Test against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which commences on November 22 at the Optus Stadium in Perth.

However, India's bowling coach Morne Morkel has given fans a glimmer of hope by sharing an important update on Gill's status. The former South African pacer asserted that Gill's condition is improving by the day before revealing that the team management would be taking a final call regarding his participation on the morning of the Test match.

"On Shubman Gill, he is improving on Day by day basis. We will take a call on the morning of the test. He played well in the match simulation in the build up. So fingers crossed," Morkel said during a press conference.

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Morne Morkel drops hint regarding Nitish Kumar Reddy's Test debut

Nitish Kumar Reddy had an impressive debut series for India in the T20I encounters against Bangladesh last month. Morkel heaped praise on the talented seam-bowling all-rounder and said that he could play the role of holding one end up with some tight bowling to give the pacers a breather every now and then.

"He is one of the young guys. Batting all round ability. He'll be one guy who can hold one end for us, especially for the first couple of days. Wicket to wicket bowler. Any team in the world would want an all rounder who can help the pacers. It'll be on Jasprit how he uses them. Definitely a guy to keep an eye on in the series," Morkel said.

The 21-year-old has played 23 first-class matches, scoring 779 and taking 56 wickets so far. Fans are looking forward to seeing how the youngster fares against a top side like Australia, with important World Test Championship (WTC) points at stake.