Records tumbled like dominoes on Thursday as Shubman Gill, leading India in the absence of Rohit Sharma, delivered a batting performance for the ages. On Day 2 of the second Test at Edgbaston, the young skipper scripted a career-defining knock of 269, becoming the highest-scoring Indian in Test cricket on English soil. His innings propelled India to a mammoth 587 in their first innings, placing the visitors firmly in the driver’s seat.
With the scoreboard applying relentless pressure, India’s pacers made early inroads under fading light, reducing England to 25/3 before a gritty stand between Joe Root and Harry Brook helped the hosts close at 77/3, still trailing by a staggering 510 runs.
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Breaking Barriers: Shubman Gill’s Record-Breaking Marathon
Shubman Gill’s epic 269 was more than just runs—it was a statement. The 24-year-old led with authority, composure, and unshakable resolve. Resuming from an overnight score of 145, Gill wasted no time in accelerating, driving India forward at a brisk pace.
The morning session yielded 109 runs with minimal resistance. Ravindra Jadeja’s support at the other end proved instrumental. Their 203-run partnership was the backbone of India’s first innings surge, with Jadeja contributing a vital 89 before falling to a sharp bouncer from Josh Tongue. Attempting a fend, Jadeja gloved one to the keeper, agonizingly short of a century but having played a crucial hand.
Gill’s milestones started piling up quickly. He registered his first 150 in Test cricket and, soon after, crossed 200—only the third Indian to do so in England and the second youngest Indian captain to achieve that landmark.
Washington Joins the Charge
After Jadeja’s dismissal, Washington Sundar stepped up to the crease. Despite a few nervy moments against the short ball before lunch, he found his rhythm and stuck around with admirable resilience. The pair added 144 runs for the seventh wicket, with Gill orchestrating proceedings and Sundar playing the perfect foil with a useful 42.
England’s bowlers, especially Shoaib Bashir, bore the brunt of Gill’s controlled aggression. At one point, Bashir was lofted for a six by Jadeja to bring up India’s 400, and Gill soon followed with a slog-sweep to notch up their 200-run partnership.
As the runs flowed, Ben Stokes shuffled his bowling options with increasing desperation. Harry Brook was introduced but greeted with disdain—a trio of boundaries from Gill underlined the Indian captain’s dominance.
A Knock for the History Books
By the time India crossed 500—only the sixth time a visiting team has done so in Edgbaston Tests—Gill had etched his name alongside Indian greats. He became just the sixth Indian to score 250 or more in a Test innings and surpassed multiple legends in the all-time charts.
A six over long-on against Bashir and a flurry of boundaries off Brook underscored his hunger. However, shortly after Tea, with dreams of a triple ton in sight, Gill fell victim to Tongue’s persistent short-ball strategy. A mistimed pull shot landed in the hands of square-leg, ending an extraordinary innings on 269.
“Gill’s composure and poise were reminiscent of Tendulkar. It was a masterclass in concentration and strokeplay,” said Sunil Gavaskar on commentary. “Shubman Gill batted like a man possessed. This innings will go down in history,” remarked Nasser Hussain.
India Finish at 587, England Rocked Early
Akash Deep, playing in place of Jasprit Bumrah, contributed a quick cameo before being dismissed. The final-wicket pair managed only 13 more runs as India wrapped up their innings at a towering 587.
England’s reply was shaky from the outset. Akash Deep, after an expensive first over, rebounded magnificently with a double-wicket maiden. His stunning catch at third slip to dismiss Ben Duckett for a duck was the highlight of the evening. On the very next ball, Ollie Pope edged a delivery to KL Rahul, departing for a golden duck.
Mohammed Siraj joined the party, drawing an edge from Zak Crawley with a ball that seamed away from a good length. England were suddenly tottering at 25/3.
Root and Brook Offer Some Resistance
With their backs against the wall, Joe Root and Harry Brook applied themselves to halt the collapse. Root, batting on 30 at stumps, looked untroubled and calm under pressure. Brook provided solid support to ensure no further damage was done.
However, the challenge ahead remains steep. England are still 310 runs behind just to make India bat again and will need something extraordinary to claw their way back into this Test match.
Notable Partnerships
| Partnership | Players Involved | Runs Scored |
|---|---|---|
| 203-run | Shubman Gill & R. Jadeja | 203 |
| 144-run | Shubman Gill & W. Sundar | 144 |
Individual Milestones
| Player | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Shubman Gill | Highest Test score by an Indian in England (269) |
| Shubman Gill | Third Indian to score 200+ in England |
| Shubman Gill | Second youngest Indian skipper with Test double ton |
| India (Team) | 6th visiting side to breach 500+ at Edgbaston |
| Akash Deep | Double-wicket maiden on England debut |
What Lies Ahead for Day 3?
India’s dominance with both bat and ball has set them up for a potential innings victory, but the pitch remains good for batting. England will rely on Root’s experience and Brook’s flair to mount a resistance. With Jonny Bairstow and Ben Stokes yet to come, the hosts still possess firepower, but they will need a day of near-perfection to keep the series alive.
Match Summary – (Day 2)
India Batting Figures – Day 2
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S Gill | 269 | 380 | 29 | 4 |
| R Jadeja | 89 | 157 | 11 | 1 |
| W Sundar | 42 | 76 | 6 | 1 |
| A Deep | 7 | 11 | 1 | 0 |
| M Siraj | 3* | 9 | 0 | 0 |
England Bowling Figures – Day 2
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| J Tongue | 27 | 3 | 119 | 2 |
| C Woakes | 27 | 5 | 81 | 2 |
| B Carse | 22 | 3 | 88 | 1 |
| S Bashir | 35 | 2 | 167 | 3 |
| B Stokes | 16 | 2 | 64 | 1 |
| J Root | 9 | 1 | 33 | 1 |
England Batting – 1st Innings (at Stumps, Day 2)
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ben Duckett | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | c Gill b Akash Deep |
| Zak Crawley | 19 | 24 | 3 | 0 | c Rahane b Siraj |
| Ollie Pope | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | c Rahul b Akash Deep |
| Joe Root | 30* | 53 | 5 | 0 | not out |
| Harry Brook | 25* | 45 | 4 | 0 | not out |
Extras: 3 (3 leg byes)
Total: 77/3 in 25 overs
Still trail by: 510 runs
India Bowling – 1st Innings (Day 2)
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Akash Deep | 6 | 1 | 36 | 2 |
| Mohammed Siraj | 7 | 2 | 21 | 1 |
| Nitish Kumar Reddy | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Prasidh Krishna | 3 | 0 | 11 | 0 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 2 | 1 | 4 | 0 |
FAQs
What is Shubman Gill’s highest Test score?
Gill scored 269, his personal best and the highest by an Indian in England.
How many Indian batters have scored 250 or more in Tests?
Only six Indian players, including Gill, have achieved this feat.
Who took the most wickets for England?
Shoaib Bashir returned with figures of 3-167.
What is India’s record total at Edgbaston?
India’s 587 is their highest total at this venue.
How many runs does England need to avoid follow-on?
England needs to score at least 388 more to avoid the follow-on.
