Shubman Gill: India Ends First Innings at 587, England Struggles at 72/3 by Stumps on Day 2
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Shubman Gill: In the second Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Edgbaston, Team India dominated with the bat, posting a massive 587 runs in their first innings against England. Resuming Day 2 at 310/5, India powered through thanks to a record-breaking innings by captain Shubman Gill, who scored a phenomenal 269 runs.
By stumps on Day 2, England trailed at 72/3, having lost key wickets early in their response. The home side now faces a tough climb, with Joe Root and Harry Brook the only set batters remaining at the crease.
Gill Sets Two Major Records in Historic Knock
Captain Shubman Gill etched his name into the record books, breaking two significant milestones with his marathon innings:
- He became the highest-scoring Indian captain in Test cricket, surpassing Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 254* against South Africa in 2019.
- Gill also recorded the highest individual score by an Indian in England, breaking Sunil Gavaskar’s 221 at The Oval in 1979.
Gill’s innings was marked by patience, technical excellence, and an ability to build partnerships under pressure. His knock has not only put India in a commanding position but also redefined batting benchmarks for Indian players overseas.
Jaiswal, Jadeja, and Sundar Deliver Crucial Support
India’s commanding total wasn’t built on Gill’s brilliance alone. Yashasvi Jaiswal (87) and Ravindra Jadeja (89) played gritty, confident innings, both narrowly missing well-deserved centuries. All-rounder Washington Sundar added a valuable 42 runs, helping India stretch the total past the 550 mark.
These partnerships frustrated the English bowlers and made it extremely difficult for the hosts to break through, especially during the first two sessions on Day 2.
England’s Bowling Struggles Despite Bashir’s 3-Wicket Haul
England’s bowlers toiled hard on a batter-friendly pitch. Shoaib Bashir emerged as the most successful bowler, claiming 3 wickets and breaking crucial stands. Chris Woakes and Josh Tongue picked up two wickets each, while Brydon Carse, Joe Root, and Ben Stokes chipped in with one apiece.
However, the inability to restrict India under 500 could come back to haunt England as they now face scoreboard pressure and a spinning track ahead.
England’s Top Order Crumbles in Final Session
In response, England had a disastrous start, losing three wickets for just 72 runs by the end of Day 2. Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope fell for ducks, while Zak Crawley was dismissed for 19. The early blows have put the team on the back foot, with a massive first-innings deficit looming.
Joe Root and Harry Brook, both proven performers, are at the crease and will be crucial to England’s hopes of a fightback on Day 3.
What’s Next: Can England Stage a Comeback or Will India Enforce a Follow-On?
With India holding a commanding position and England already three wickets down, the pressure is squarely on the hosts. If the Indian bowlers strike early on Day 3, a follow-on could be on the cards. Much will depend on the experienced duo of Root and Brook to stabilize the innings and prevent further collapse.
