Shubman Gill to miss England Tests due to injury; Siraj, Shardul likely to play

As Team India gears up for the 5-Test series against England set to start at Trent Bridge in Nottingham on August 4, it has suffered a setback as young opener Shubman Gill has sustained an injury to his lower leg (stress in the shin), Walking Wicket has learnt.

According to sources, Shubman Gill has suffered an injury in the form of stress in the shin. Further details remain unknown even as the Indian team is on an extended break following the WTC Final.

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Karnataka openers Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul apart from Bengal opener Abhimanyu Easwaran, who is as yet uncapped for Team India, are the backup options for the top spot.

Mayank Agarwal has been the other most consistent opener for India who has played six games during WTC 209-21 cycle, scoring 644 runs at 80.50. The Indian team management is yet to take a final call on Gill based on the seriousness of the injury.

Shubman Gill played his first Test on the tour of Australia in 2020-21. He has scored 414 runs in eight Tests so far at an average of 31.84. The Indian squad will reassemble in Durham possibly on July 14 or 15 for a pre-series camp and a couple of intra-squad games.

Virat Kohli to move at No. 3, Siraj and Shardul to get game

According to reports, Indian team management is thinking of moving Virat Kohli to no. 3 position and including a batsmen extra down the order to strengthen the batting line up in Hanuma Vihari. Mohammed Siraj is also set to play all the test matches against England given his previous performances with the ball in hand.

In the wake of missing an all-rounder like Hardik Pandya in WTC final in English conditions, team management is likely to include Shardul Thakur in the set up and give him some games on England tour.

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Schedule of India Tour of England, 2021:

August 4-8: England vs India, First Test, Trent Bridge.

August 12-16: England vs India, Second Test, Lord’s.

August 25-29: England vs India, Third Tests, Headingley.

September 2-6: England vs India, Fourth Test, Kennington Oval.

September 10-14: England vs India, Fifth Test, Old Trafford.