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India’s top-order batter Shubman Gill answered the critics on Day 3 of the Visakhapatnam Test against England with a century. Gill’s 104-run knock helped India set a target of 399. However, he lost his wicket in an unusual fashion while attempting a reverse sweep against debutant off-spinner Shoaib Bashir towards the end of the second session. After the end of day’s play, Gill was asked whether his father who was present in the stadium would pull him up for the shot that led to his dismissal.
“I think so. I'll get to know once I get back to the hotel but I think so. He comes for most of my games, there's no such pressure. I think it's 70-30 at the moment,” Gill told the broadcasters.
Just before the ball that dismissed Gill, England captain Ben Stokes had made some changes to the field. Stokes blocked the on-drive and flick with two fielders by placing them at silly mid-on and a straightish short mid-wicket. Gill was asked whether Stokes' tactics had an impact on his mind and forced the reverse sweep.
“I saw the point fielder go there and I thought it was a percentage shot. Should've just played the 5-6 overs till tea,” the 24-year-old replied.
Gill was happy to score his first Test century at no.3 after 11 ordinary appearances. Early in his knock, he had a stroke of luck against Tom Hartley. The left-arm spinner's delivery hit him on the pads. After consulting non-striker Shreyas Iyer, he went for the review to find out that there was a faint inside edge which reversed the decision.
“The first one I didn't feel it. Shreyas told me to take it in case it's umpire's call,” he said.
Gill who hit 11 fours and a couple of sixes in his 104-run knock said that there is a lack of bounce in the pitch. He feels that it will not be easy to bat on and morning session of Day 3 will be the key.
“I think it's 70-30 at the moment. Morning session will be key. We've seen there is moisture in the morning and help for fast bowlers and spinners,” he concluded.
At the end of Day 3’s play, England were 67/1. They need another 332 runs to win the second Test and pull off the highest run chase on Indian soil.
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