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The first Test between India and Australia in Perth has been thrown into uncertainty following a concerning injury to key batsman KL Rahul during a practice match. Rahul, who was opening the innings with Yashasvi Jaiswal, was struck on the elbow by a short-of-a-length delivery from Prasidh Krishna. The impact left Rahul grimacing in pain, prompting immediate attention from the physio. Following a consultation, Rahul was forced to leave the field, raising serious concerns about his availability for the crucial opening Test.
The incident occurred during an intra-squad match simulation at the WACA, a venue that has provided considerably less bounce and carry than other Sheffield Shield matches this season. However, the Optus Stadium in Perth, where the Test is scheduled to take place, is expected to offer a more challenging surface with greater bounce. This added pressure to the situation, as India's batting lineup already faces a tough examination against a potent Australian attack.
Adding to the worries, Rishabh Pant also picked up a groin injury during the practice match. Pant, known for his aggressive batting style, appeared to be shaken after being struck on the groin while facing short deliveries. He was eventually dismissed by Nitish Reddy, who emerged as the standout bowler in the first session of the practice match. The injuries to Rahul and Pant raise serious questions about India's batting depth and their ability to cope with the demanding conditions in Perth.
The practice match also highlighted the lack of comfort among the first-choice Indian batsmen on the WACA surface. While Rahul was forced to retire hurt, Jaiswal managed only 15 runs before getting out. Virat Kohli played a couple of impressive cover drives but was dismissed for 15 runs. Shubman Gill looked the most comfortable among the batsmen, scoring 28 runs before being sent back by Navdeep Saini. Despite the lackluster performance in the practice match, India's batting unit will need to find their rhythm quickly to make a strong start in the Test series.
The focus now shifts to Rahul's recovery and whether he will be fit to play the first Test in Perth. The injury's severity remains unknown, and India's management will be closely monitoring his progress. The team's plans for the opening Test could be significantly impacted by Rahul's absence, as he is a crucial part of their batting order. It remains to be seen how the Indian team will adapt to these setbacks and whether they can overcome the injury concerns to put up a strong fight in the upcoming series.
Source: KL Rahul suffers injury scare ahead of Perth Test, walks off after taking a blow to his elbow