Shubman Gill’s Double Ton against England
Captain Shubman Gill delivered a batting masterclass, scoring a majestic 269 runs, as India dominated Day 2 of the Edgbaston Test. With a commanding total of 587 in the first innings, India’s bowlers backed up the batters by removing three English top-order wickets, leaving the hosts struggling at 77/3 by stumps.
England now trail by 510 runs, and with their top order already dismantled, the pressure is firmly on Joe Root and Harry Brook to steady the innings on Day 3.
A Captain’s Knock for the Ages
In what may go down as one of the finest captain’s innings in recent Indian Test history, Shubman Gill stood tall, grinding down the English bowlers with patience, class, and authority. Coming to the crease after KL Rahul’s early dismissal, Gill soaked up pressure before taking control.
His 269 came off 387 balls, studded with 30 fours and 3 sixes, at a steady strike rate of 69.51. Gill batted for over 10 hours, ensuring India stayed in the driver’s seat. His knock was not just about scoring runs—it was about building an innings, frustrating the bowlers, and leading from the front.
This was Gill’s highest Test score, and it came at a crucial time, silencing critics and reasserting his dominance in the red-ball format.
Jaiswal, Jadeja, and Others Support Well
India’s innings began aggressively with Yashasvi Jaiswal scoring 87 off 107 balls, hitting 13 boundaries. He gave India a flying start before being caught behind off Ben Stokes. His positive intent helped set the tone for the innings.
Karun Nair contributed a quick 31, while Rishabh Pant chipped in with 25. Although some middle-order batters like N. K. Reddy (1) and A. Deep (6) failed to fire, Ravindra Jadeja’s fluent 89 off 137 balls, including 10 boundaries and a six, added significant value.
Lower down the order, Washington Sundar’s 42 off 103 balls helped push India past the 550-mark, frustrating England’s bowlers even more.
England’s Bowling Falters on Flat Deck
England had no answers to Gill’s brilliance. They tried seven different bowlers, but only Shoaib Bashir (3/100) managed to extract anything significant from the pitch.
Chris Woakes (2/74) and Josh Tongue (2/110) were economical at times, but neither looked threatening enough to run through the lineup. Ben Stokes and Joe Root chipped in with one wicket apiece, but both were used more to give the frontline bowlers rest.
England’s fielding also let them down with a few missed chances and half-opportunities going begging, allowing India to pile on more pressure.
England’s Top Order Crumbles Early
Chasing a huge total, England’s openers had a nightmare start. Zak Crawley, after hitting a few boundaries, was dismissed for 19, edging one to Karun Nair off Mohammed Siraj.
Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope fell on back-to-back balls by Akash Deep, who bowled with fire and purpose. Duckett edged one to Gill at slip for 5, and Pope fell for a golden duck, caught behind by KL Rahul.The early damage has put them under immense pressure going into Day 3.
Root and Brook Show Resistance
As experienced campaigners, Joe Root (18)* and Harry Brook (30)* tried to steady the ship. They batted cautiously, playing out tough spells from Siraj, Akash Deep, and Sundar, adding 52 runs for the fourth wicket.
Brook showed some positive intent with four boundaries, while Root anchored from the other end. However, they still have a mountain to climb and will need to bat long on Day 3 to bring England back into the contest.
India’s Bowlers Impress Again
Even with a flat pitch, India’s bowlers looked sharper and more disciplined than their English counterparts. Siraj bowled a fiery spell, beating the bat several times, while Akash Deep impressed with a double strike in one over, showing why he’s a future star.
Spin may come into play more from Day 3, and players like Jadeja and Sundar could prove crucial in tightening the noose further.
What’s Next?
India’s plan is clear: take early wickets on Day 3, enforce follow-on if possible, and push for an innings victory. With a 510-run lead and scoreboard pressure mounting, they’ll aim to wrap up England’s first innings quickly. For England, the goal is survival. They’ll need Root and Brook to play big innings, and the lower order to contribute meaningfully if they are to avoid defeat.
Final Thoughts
Day 2 at Edgbaston belonged entirely to India. A historic double century from Shubman Gill, solid partnerships throughout the innings, and a ruthless bowling start have put the visitors firmly in control. England, on the other hand, have a long road ahead. The hosts will need something miraculous to turn the tide in this Test match.
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