In a gripping clash that saw India level the series 1-1 in the England vs India 2nd Test, Indian captain Shubman Gill delivered a powerful message on the state of modern Test cricket. While celebrating India’s fighting spirit and a double-ton performance of his own, Gill raised concerns about the flat pitches and the softening Dukes ball, stating that such conditions risk stripping Test cricket of its true charm.
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“The Game Loses Its Essence”: Gill’s Candid Assessment
After overseeing a commanding Indian victory at Edgbaston, Shubman Gill didn’t mince words. When asked about the bowling conditions during this high-scoring Test in the Bazball-dominated era, he noted: “It gets very difficult for the bowlers… the ball is going soft and out of shape very quickly… when runs are coming easily, a lot of things are out of your control.”
Gill emphasized that Test cricket thrives on balance. While flat tracks might be batters’ paradise, they put bowlers through a war of attrition, often reducing the contest to a one-dimensional affair.
Gill’s Perspective as a Batter-Captain
Despite the tough conditions for bowlers, Gill lightheartedly admitted enjoying some relief as a batter: “If the ball is doing something, you enjoy playing. But when you’re just thinking how to stop runs… the game loses its essence.”
At Edgbaston, Gill walked the talk with a monumental 269 in the first innings and followed it with a composed 161 in the second. Having been dismissed for 147 in the previous Test, he took it upon himself to set the tone for the team. “Sometimes, especially as captain, you need to lead by example… put the team first over personal desires.”
Tactical Calls: Flat Track, Tough Choices
When asked about the flat track and whether Kuldeep Yadav’s wrist spin was missed in the middle overs, Gill revealed it wasn’t an easy call: “It wasn’t easy to leave out Kuldeep, but we needed depth. Washington [Sundar] gave us that.”
The Indian skipper acknowledged the tactical dilemma of choosing between spin options and batting depth, hinting that conditions in England demand constant adaptation.
Learning from the Long Haul: Back-to-Back 5-Day Tests
India’s home Tests rarely go the full five days. But back-to-back long hauls in England tested the team’s endurance and game management. For Gill, it was a welcome challenge: “Luckily, most of the time when we are playing here, we are batting and not fielding. That’s good for us.”
The approach was simple: bat deep, post 350-400 totals, and let the bowlers work with a cushion. The plan worked, thanks to strong partnerships and measured aggression.
Bowling Without Bumrah: A Masterclass from Siraj & Akash Deep
The absence of Jasprit Bumrah raised doubts, but Mohammed Siraj and debutant Akash Deep silenced critics with a combined haul of 17 wickets across two innings. Gill showered praise: “There were questions if we could take 20 wickets… these two guys were just outstanding.” He added that every player in India’s 16-man squad is capable of stepping up, a testament to the team’s bench strength.
While India rejoiced after a massive win in the England vs India 2nd Test, Shubman Gill used his moment of triumph to raise deeper questions about the game’s direction. Flat tracks and lifeless balls might inflate scores, but they deflate the very soul of Test cricket.
As the series heads to Lord’s, all eyes will be on the conditions—and whether they offer bowlers the stage they deserve.
FAQs
What did Shubman Gill say about the conditions in England?
Gill criticized the flat pitches and soft Dukes ball, saying they make it extremely tough for bowlers and reduce the competitive essence of Test cricket.
How did Shubman Gill perform in the 2nd Test?
He scored a brilliant 269 in the first innings and a solid 161 in the second, leading India to a dominant win.
Who were India’s top bowlers in the 2nd Test?
Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj were exceptional, sharing 17 wickets between them.
Why wasn’t Kuldeep Yadav picked for the match?
Gill explained the decision was tactical, prioritizing batting depth that Washington Sundar offered.
What’s next in the series after the 2nd Test?
The 3rd Test kicks off at Lord’s on July 10 at 3:30 PM IST. Jasprit Bumrah is expected to return, as is England’s Jofra Archer.
