After smashing his maiden double century on Day 2 of the 2nd Test at Edgbaston, captain Shubman Gill is setting the tone for India’s new era with the bat, taking his side to a commanding position in the game.
India's first innings ended on a massive 587 all out, one of the highest total by an Indian side in England. His performance drew praise from cricket legends, including Sachin Tendulkar, while Ravindra Jadeja also weighed in on Gill’s composed batting.
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Jadeja praises Gill’s leadership after Edgbaston double
Jadeja, the senior-most member of the Indian squad, heaped praise on skipper Gill for his standout performance. Jadeja played a crucial role, sharing a 203-run stand with Gill for the sixth wicket to steady the ship for India after a few quick wickets.
Jadeja himself scored a gritty 89, before falling prey to a spicy bouncer from Josh Tongue. Speaking to the press about Gill and his captaincy at the end of play on Day 2, Jadeja said, "He is looking extremely confident, there’s absolutely no sign in his batting that he’s carrying the burden of captaincy or any added responsibility. He’s handling it all so smoothly. It doesn’t reflect at all in his batting".
The Indian captain not only guided India to a commanding position but also broke some records on his way to doing so. Gill's 269 is now the highest individual Test score by an Indian Captain. He surpassed King Kohli's 254 which came at home against South Africa in 2019.
Gill's Test batting and his records as a Test batter were always in question before the start of this series. There were doubts about his ability to bat in English conditions. Before the Edgbaston Test, Gill averaged just 14.66 across six Test innings in England.
However, the Indian captain has now answered all his critics with the bat. After his 147 in the first innings as Indian captain, this 269 is a strong statement to all the cricket pundits questioning his technique and ability.
India well ahead at the end of Day 2
The visitors are in a dominating position in the Test at the end of Day 2. After a massive 587 run, the Indian bowlers did not disappoint, clinching 3 crucial wickets before the end of day's play, reducing England to 77 for 3.
Akashdeep provided the breakthrough with two wickets in as many balls. He was well supported by the senior pacer Mohammad Siraj who dismissed Crawley to make the situation worse for the hosts.
Match Summary
• India 1st Innings: 587 All Out
• Shubman Gill: 269 (Highest by an Indian captain in England)
• Ravindra Jadeja: 89 (Key 6th-wicket partner)
• England 2nd Innings (Stumps, Day 2): 77/3 (Trail by 510 runs)