After sitting out the previous two games, young batter Shubman Gill was finally added to the Playing XI after he replaced an out-of-form KL Rahul while an act by Gill on the field left former India batter Sunil Gavaskar irate in the third test against Australia in Indore.
Team India was struggling with the bat against Australia in the first innings of the third test on Wednesday at the Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore.
The team captained by Rohit Sharma chose to bat first but was eventually dismissed for 109 runs as the spin combo of Nathan Lyon and Matthew Kuhnemann set off a rampage and destroyed the backbone of the Indian batting order.
After sitting out the previous two games, young batter Shubman Gill was finally added to the Playing XI after he replaced an out-of-form KL Rahul. However, an act by Gill on the field left former India batter Sunil Gavaskar irate.
During the seventh over of India’s innings, Gill ran for a single on Cameroon Green’s delivery and dived to make it back into the crease in time. The right-handed batter suffered a minor injury as he got a scratch wound below his abdomen. The game had to be stopped when Gill asked for medical assistance.
Seeing this, Gavaskar, who was commentating during the match said,
“We’re seeing a little bit of repair work for Shubman Gill. He had dived to make his crease but I tell you what. This could have waited. This could have waited till the end of the over. There is a fast bowler who is bowling – he has bowled 4 deliveries; it’s hot – and you’ve given him a breather. Yes, you are hurt but wait for 2 more deliveries. Wait for the over to finish and get treated. You’re at the non-striker’s end; you’re not at the striker’s end. Simple things can make a difference.”
Former Australia batter Matthew Hayden, who was commentating with Gavaskar said,
“You’re a harsh man, Sunny. That’s a real stinger.”
But, Gavaskar held his ground and remained firm on his words and replied,
“Yes, it is but listen you are playing for your country. Just 2 more deliveries. You’re at the non-striker. I can understand if you’re taking a strike and you’ve got that discomfort. And he’s done that after 2 deliveries.”
On the first day of the third Test, which started on Wednesday in Indore, Australia bowled India out for 109.