Sports Bulletin of November 29: From Shubman Gill Returning To Net Session, To Harry Brook's 2000 Test Runs To ECB Bars Players from PSL Participation

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Shubman Gill's early return to training after a thumb injury has given Team India a significant boost ahead of the pink-ball Test against Australia in Adelaide, with Cheteshwar Pujara suggesting KL Rahul at No. 3 for the series.

Other news which dominated Friday (November 29) were, Team India preparing for a warm-up match against the Australian PMXI, Steve Smith praising Jasprit Bumrah's unique bowling style, and Allan Border critiquing Australia's handling of Virat Kohli. In other news, Siddharth Kaul announced retirement, the ECB barred players from the PSL, and Harry Brook set a new record in Test cricket. Here are the ten unmissable stories of the day:

Shubman Gill Recovers From Thumb Injury

Team India's preparations for the pink-ball Test in Adelaide received a major boost as young batting sensation Shubman Gill returned to the nets after recovering from a thumb injury. His recovery, ahead of the second Test against Australia, was quicker than anticipated.

Gill, who missed the series opener in Perth, faced Yash Dayal and Akash Deep in a practice session at the Manuka Oval. Speaking to the BCCI in a post-training video, Gill expressed relief over his progress. "I just wanted to see how the injury felt and whether there was any lingering soreness, but it went better than Kamlesh bhai (physio Kamlesh Jain) and I expected," Gill said.

Pujara Suggests KL Rahul for No. 3 Slot in Adelaide Test

Cheteshwar Pujara, Indian cricketer and Star Sports expert, believes KL Rahul should bat at No. 3 in the upcoming pink-ball Test. Discussing India's lineup with Star Sports, Pujara advocated for Rahul's promotion, citing his comfort and form in the first Test.

"With Rohit opening, Rahul at three, and Shubman Gill at five, we create an ideal setup. The older ball will suit both Gill and Rishabh Pant, allowing them to play their natural attacking game," Pujara explained.

Harry Brook Reaches 2,000 Test Runs in Record Time

Harry Brook continued his remarkable Test career by smashing a century against New Zealand and reaching the 2,000-run milestone in record time. His 132-run innings at Hagley Oval showcased a masterful blend of aggression and technique, lifting England out of a precarious situation.

India to Face Australia PMXI in a Two-Day Warm-Up

Ahead of the Adelaide Test, India will play a two-day tour match against the Australia PMXI. The match at Manuka Oval will provide Indian batters with valuable pink-ball practice. India's record in day-night Tests includes only one loss in Adelaide in 2020-when they were bowled out for a historic low of 36.

The Indian camp, buoyed by their dominant performance in Perth, hopes to fine-tune its lineup and adapt to the unique challenges posed by the pink ball, especially under twilight conditions.

Steve Smith: Bumrah's Unique Action Makes Him Formidable

Australian batter Steve Smith hailed Jasprit Bumrah as a "complete package," crediting his unorthodox action for making him difficult to face. "His run-up and action are unlike anyone else's. Every time I face him, it takes a few balls to adjust," Smith said in an interview with the *Sydney Morning Herald*.

Allan Border Criticises Australia's Tactics Against Kohli

Former Australian captain Allan Border expressed disappointment over Australia's inability to contain Virat Kohli in the Perth Test. Kohli's unbeaten 100 helped India to a massive win. "We let Kohli find form, and that could cost us the series," Border told SEN Radio, criticizing Pat Cummins' tactics.

Siddharth Kaul Announces Retirement

Siddharth Kaul, former pacer for Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bangalore, announced his retirement from Indian cricket after being overlooked in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction. Kaul, 34, played three ODIs and T20Is each for India and featured for several IPL teams, including Delhi Daredevils and Kolkata Knight Riders.

ECB Bars Players from PSL Participation

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has restricted its players from participating in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) during the English domestic season. This decision aims to prioritize domestic tournaments like the County Championship and The Hundred.

Halep Criticises ITIA for Inconsistent Doping Bans

Former World No. 1 Simona Halep has strongly criticised the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) for what she perceives as "double standards" in doping ban decisions. Halep's comments came after ITIA issued a one-month suspension to current World No. 2 Iga Swiatek for testing positive for the banned substance trimetazidine (TMZ). Swiatek accepted the penalty, but Halep expressed frustration over the disparity in judgments.

"I'm trying to understand, but it's impossible. Why is there such a big difference in treatment and judgment? The only explanation seems to be bad intent from the ITIA, which has done everything to destroy me despite the evidence," Halep wrote in an Instagram post.

Hojlund's Brace Secures Manchester United's Win

Rasmus Hojlund's two goals led Manchester United to a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League. The win, which marked manager Ruben Amorim's debut home match, leaves United just one point away from a top-eight spot in the league phase.