Home
Shubman Gill was undoubtedly India's top performer on the first day of the Edgbaston Test against England. The 25-year-old scored a sensational century and was the catalyst to the Men in Blue breaching the 300-run mark on the opening day of the match itself. Gill returned back to the dugout unbeaten on 114 and will be continuing India's innings alongside Ravindra Jadeja, who also remained unbeaten on 41.
Gill has scored two tons in the series already
This was Gill's second century of the ongoing series, coming after his blistering knock of 147 in the first Test at Headingley. During his inning at Edgbaston, Gill remained extremely calm and patient and brought up a well-deserved ton after facing 199 deliveries. He has so far scored 12 fours aand will be looking to increase his tally when he returns to the crease for Day 2.
Former India cricketer and head coach Ravi Shastri was thoroughly impressed with Gill's batting. Labelling the 25-year-old's batting display as 'superb', Shastri praised him for making massive improvements to his defensive technique and for being in control throughout his inning.
"I think India will be pretty happy with where they are at the end of day one. I think this partnership of 99 between Gill and Jadeja has got them out of what could've been a spot of bother. But they know they will need to get at least another 150 runs from here at least. Had England made further inroads once they were 211-5, it could've been very different. But Shubman Gill's performance was superb. It was a disciplined performance, he looked fantastic and very solid," Shastri said Sky Sports' broadcast.
"Shubman Gill has worked hard on his defence. When he last came to England, he played with hard hands, pushed at the ball, a bit like Virat Kohli. But now, the top hand is in much more control. He allows the ball to come to him, trusts in his defence and has all the shots in the book when he goes on the attack," he added.
Notably, this was Gill's fourth century against England in red-ball cricket and with this, he continued his domination against Ben Stokes & Co. With India looking in a spot of bother at one stage on 211/5, Gill provided some much-needed stability to the side and formed a valiant 99-run stand with Jadeja. It will be interesting to see how far the duo will be able to take the visitors on Day 2 of the Test match.
ADVERTISEMENT
