"We will take a call on the morning of the Test" - Morne Morkel on Shubman Gill's chances of playing in Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 series opener

Team India bowling coach Morne Morkel has yet to confirm whether Shubman Gill will feature in the series-opener against Australia in Perth on November 22. The former South Africa speedster said they would take a call on the youngster on the morning of the first Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Gill recently injured his finger while fielding in the simulation intra-squad training fixture and did not return to the field. The Punjab-born batter has been batting at No. 3 since the selectors phased out Cheteshwar Pujara from the Test side.

During a press conference on Wednesday, here's what Morkel said about Gill (via RevSportz Global on X):

"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."

It was during the 2020-21 tour of Australia that Gill made his debut, scoring 45 and 35* on his first appearance at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The 25-year-old went on to craft a career-defining innings of 91 in the successful fourth-innings run-chase of 328 in the final Test in Brisbane.

"Working closely with the people back home" - Morne Morkel on Mohammed Shami's return

Morne Morkel. (Image Credits: Getty)

Despite pacer Mohammed Shami marking his return to competitive cricket, the former Proteas cricketer suggested that it could be a while before he returns to national colors. The 40-year-old said (via Inside Sport):

"We are keeping a close eye on Shami. He has been out for a year. For us, it is a massive win that he is back playing. How we can give him the best support to find his feet again. Working closely with the people back home. He is a world class bowler."

Team India have won their last four series against Australia by a 2-1 scoreline, including two away ones. However, the tourists seem to be slightly low on confidence this time after a 3-0 series defeat to New Zealand on home soil recently.