Shubman Gill produced a batting masterclass to script history with a sensational 269 – the highest score by an Indian captain in Test cricket – as India tightened their grip on the second Test against England at Edgbaston on Thursday.
Gill’s epic knock, a blend of elegance and resilience, powered India to a formidable 587 before Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj struck early to leave the hosts reeling at 77/3 by stumps. With a daunting 510-run deficit, England face a stern test heading into Day Three of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy clash.
Coming to the crease with India at a precarious 211/5, Gill built strong partnerships with Ravindra Jadeja (89) and Washington Sundar (42), adding 203 and 144 runs for the sixth and seventh wickets respectively. His innings not only rescued India from a potential collapse but also turned the tide decisively in their favour.
Gill’s innings was a blend of composure and calculated aggression, underlining his reputation as India’s most reliable batter in the series. He reached his double-century with a trademark pull off Josh Tongue, acknowledging the feat with a punch of the air and a theatrical bow to the crowd.
Jadeja played a solid supporting role, bringing up his 23rd Test half-century with flair and contributing handsomely before being dismissed for 89. Sundar also provided resistance down the order before falling to Joe Root for 42. The innings eventually ended when Gill was caught at square leg off Tongue, prompting a standing ovation from the Edgbaston crowd.
England’s bowlers toiled with little success on a surface offering minimal assistance. Shoaib Bashir returned with figures of 3-167, while Chris Woakes and Josh Tongue took two wickets apiece.
In response, England’s innings began shakily. Zak Crawley struck a couple of early boundaries but soon edged one to slip off Siraj. Akash Deep then struck in successive deliveries, removing Ben Duckett for a duck with a sharp delivery caught spectacularly by Gill in the slips, followed by Ollie Pope edging to KL Rahul.
At 7/3, England were reeling, but Joe Root (18*) and Harry Brook (30*) steadied the innings with a cautious partnership to end the day without further damage. However, with a massive deficit still looming, the hosts face an uphill battle to claw their way back into the match.
Brief scores:
India 587 in 151 overs (Shubman Gill 269, Ravindra Jadeja 89, Yashasvi Jaiswal 87, Washington Sundar 42; Shoaib Bashir 3-167, Chris Woakes 2-81, Josh Tongue 2-119)
England 77/3 in 20 overs (Harry Brook 30*, Joe Root 18*; Akash Deep 2-36, Mohammed Siraj 1-21)
India leads by 510 runs.
