Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill (Source:@starsportsindia,x.com)
India ended Day 1 of the second Test against England on a solid 310 runs at the loss of 5 wickets. Day 1 belonged to captain Shubman Gill, the star batter showcased his exceptional form and completed his seventh Test century. It is important to mention that this is Gill's second Test century as captain, and fourth against England.
As India sought to recover from the scars of a batting collapse on Day 1 in the first Test, a candid on-field exchange between Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant was caught on stump mic. The duo was heard making some real-time tactical thinking. The stump mic caught Pant giving his valuable advice to Gill during their short stint together:
“Dekh lenge call pe. Pehle hi mat decide kar kuch bhi. Call rakhenge ek.”
The comment came after Pant noticed the ball had softened and was not carrying as sharply through the off-side, increasing the risk of calling for quick singles.
Gill Holds Firm Control Under Pressure
Shubman Gill, delivered a captain’s knock when it mattered most. The right-hander brought up his seventh Test century and slowest off 199 deliveries. He remained unbeaten on 114 at the close of play, anchoring the innings with calmness and precision.
Despite his cautious start, Gill struck confident strokes, rotating the strike smartly and handling both pace and spin with poise. The innings was built with a clear intent that is to wear down the England bowlers and avoid the kind of reckless shot-making that cost India dearly in the first Test.
Solid Platform Set For Day 2
With Gill (114*) and Jadeja (41*) unbeaten at stumps and at score of 310/5 on the board, India will look to capitalise early on Day 2. Aware of how quickly fortunes turned in the previous Test after a strong start, the team will aim to bat deep and avoid another lower-order collapse.
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