India’s tour of England has produced dramatic turns of events, and Edgbaston has now also provided a dramatic chapter. With mounting pressure and scrutiny on the decisions of the team, Shubman Gill rose to the challenge once again, scoring his second hundred in as many matches, and reinforcing his role as a reliable captain for India. With Jasprit Bumrah rested, and India behind in the series 1-0, Gill’s unbeaten 114 had a pivotal impact in stabilizing a wobbling Indian batting line-up, and in keeping the Indians alive.
Leadership in the face of criticism
Earlier in the day, Shubman Gill fronted the media and called the bold move of resting Jasprit Bumrah for the match. Many queried the decision, particularly when away from home, and down 1-0 in the series. Gill responded that the management felt the next Test at Lord’s would give Bumrah a better chance to apply his more effective style of bowling rather than in Edgbaston.
By the close of play, India were at 310 for 5, and in that time Gill had silenced a number of critics—not through words, but through his bat. His determination and patient innings underlined not just talent, but leadership; understanding it meant as much to Gill personally, as it did for the team.
A hundred that spoke volumes
This was not a ‘flashy’ hundred. It was not built by flamboyance, but rather grit, temperament, and toughness. Gill faced 216 balls, and he fought hard, absorbed pressureHis century had a touch of style and toughness, made up of 11 boundaries and some crucial partnerships in between.
The three figures came with back-to-back boundaries, off Joe Root, a fitting reward for a man who had borne back spasms, fierce English bowling and the trials and tribulations of being captain.
Batting With Tenacity
Gill walked in when India were 95 for 2, 6-minutes before lunch. Karun Nair No. 3 was the previous wicket to fall off the bowling of Brydon Carse. There was pressure on India’s batters, with England’s bowlers, particularly Chris Woakes, really taking advantage of the helpful morning surface. Woakes was playing at his home ground and bowled brilliantly, claiming the prized wicket of KL Rahul, probing the Indian top-order batters, making the most of the swing and seam and batting on a very helpful surface.
The youthful captain was undaunted. He was able to change his tempo, leave balls he should leave, and when he was loose, he punished the balls appropriately. He completely held his own against the mental battles created by Stokes’ consistent placing of 3 fielders in a cover-point position and a short-mid-on. He never fell for Stokes’ games, was able to stay true to his plan, and paced the innings like a pro.
Help and Support From Others
While Gill anchored at one end, Yashasvi Jaiswal played to his natural game, with Jaiswal showing aggression and flair, exhibiting increasing dominance against overseas Tests marking his seventh consecutive score of 50 plus against England.
He struck 13 boundaries and brought up his half-century in just 59 balls, and although his attacking instincts got the better of him when he slashed at a wide one from Ben Stokes, edging behind, the 81 he produced, was horrible to lose, as he looked to be in full-flow.
After Rishabh Pant had given England another door to open with the foolish shot he played, and then was dismissed, and given the standing of the innings, rocked, more composure was needed, in the shape of Ravindra Jadeja, who contributed in a 41 from 67 run stand with Gill, worth 99 runs, at stumps-could you imagine the innings becoming unstuck, at 228 for 5?
England’s bowling unit performed well, although they finished the day behind. Chris Woakes again was outstanding, with figures of 2 for 59 in a long day, produced some unplayable deliveries. His dismissal of Rahul, and later Reddy demonstrated his skill on the pitch.
Both Brydon Carse and Shoaib Bashir will have been thankful for their work today. Bashir was the standout selection, and he caught Pant into a false shot with a perfect looped delivery, with drift and pace, which caught the left-hander – he was deserving of a wicket. Ben Stokes managed his artillery well and although he missed a few close calls for LBW reviews, kept the pressure on India throughout the day’s play.
The Journey Ahead
With Gill and Jadeja set to bat on Day 2, India are in a perfect position to build on their great start and potentially take control of the Test match. India would not have forgotten how they have previously thrown away great positions after a strong first innings in the first Test. It is clear that the team has the intent to learn from those mistakes.
India’s lower order will also be exposed in the batting, as Washington Sundar, Akash Deep, and the lower order are not well known for long stays at the crease, making the current partnership all the more important.
Final Thoughts
Shubman Gill’s century was not just a big score but also he could claim leadership, strength, and control as captain. He has now made two hundreds in two Tests on this tour, and has had the temperament to conclude the innings, and lead his team in the dangerous wild water of Test match cricket. The decision to rest Bumrah could be debated, but if Gill remains standing, India’s second Test fightback has a foundation/anchor.
As Day 2 beckons, we anticipate whether Gill and Jadeja can take India past the 400 mark, a mark that could shift the balance back India way, but more importantly, rescue this enthralling Test series.
