ISLAMABAD (PEN) : India’s Shubman Gill produced a composed and commanding century as the visitors recovered to post 310-5 by the close of play on the opening day of the second Test against England at Edgbaston.
Gill’s innings, his second century of the series and seventh in Test cricket, was marked by patience and precision. Facing 199 balls, he remained unbeaten on 114 alongside Ravindra Jadeja, who contributed a steady 41 not out. The Indian captain’s knock came under scrutiny after the team rested pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, but Gill’s performance reinforced his leadership and batting credentials.
Early Setbacks and Resilience
After England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and elected to field, India’s opener Yashasvi Jaiswal looked set for a big score but was dismissed for 87 by Stokes in the second session, missing out on a second hundred in the series.
India found themselves in a precarious position at 211-5, with England threatening to replicate their success from the first Test where India’s lower order had collapsed. However, Jadeja steadied the innings, sharing a crucial 99-run partnership with Gill by rotating the strike carefully without undue risks.
Tactical Battle on a Flat Track
As England sought to break the partnership with the new ball, Joe Root’s strategic bowling was met with resolute batting. Gill’s deft sweeps off Root brought up his century, highlighting his ability to control the innings on a relatively flat pitch.
England’s bowlers were also frustrated by two close lbw decisions that went in India’s favor, with umpire’s call saving Gill on both occasions. Chris Woakes, who took two wickets, described it as a “tiring day” for the bowlers. “It’s just frustrating because (if) those wickets go your way and it’s 30-3, you are into the middle order with the ball hard and new,” Woakes said.
Team Changes and Individual Performances
India’s decision to rest Jasprit Bumrah, managing his back issues, led to three changes in the playing eleven. Sai Sudharsan and Shardul Thakur were omitted, with Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, and Akash Deep brought in to bolster the lower order.
Early wickets fell as opener KL Rahul was caught playing onto his stumps to Woakes, and Karun Nair, promoted up the order, was dismissed for 31, caught in the slips after playing elegant drives.
Rishabh Pant, coming in after Jaiswal’s dismissal, launched a six off spinner Shoaib Bashir but was eventually caught attempting another big hit, opening the door for the tailenders.
