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July 3, 2025

Shubman Gill's sublime century defies England attack on Day 1 at Edgbaston

Shubman Gill's sublime century defies England attack on Day 1 at Edgbaston
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India captain Shubman Gill dazzled on the opening day of the second Test against England at Edgbaston, crafting an immersive 114 off 216 balls* to anchor India at 310/5 at stumps, with England intensifying pressure through disciplined bowling.

Opting to bowl first, England’s seamers—led by Chris Woakes (2/59) and Brydon Carse—exerted early control on a responsive pitch. However, Gill remained solid, combining calm defence with clinical timing, accumulating his century with 13 boundaries, and refuting early criticism on his captaincy and batting form.

After Yashasvi Jaiswal’s scintillating 87, India found a new anchor in Gill, who finished the day unbeaten, steering a crucial 99-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja (41)*.

England came close to toppling the first two wickets via close LBW decisions on Jaiswal and Karun Nair, but both were saved by umpire’s calls—Woakes felt “we were 30/3” if not for them. Ben Stokes also made a breakthrough, dismissing Jaiswal with a sharp delivery before the close.

Gill’s unbeaten knock marks a third straight Test century, and his second in as many matches as captain—a feat joined by Indian greats Hazare, Gavaskar, and Kohli. Analysts praised his composed approach and low error rate—just 4% false shots, the best by a centurion in England over nearly two decades.

Former England captain Nasser Hussain compared Gill to Joe Root, highlighting the technical maturity of his knock, according to Hindustan Times. Meanwhile, with viewer interest peaking, Edgbaston’s atmosphere crackled as Gill lifted his bat in quiet triumph.

  • England’s seam attack will aim to exploit early movement and unsettle Gill’s rhythm.
     
  • Ravi Jadeja and the lower order hold the key to extending the innings beyond 350.
     
  • Test captaincy spotlight: Gill’s ability to lead from the front puts India in strong command of the match strategy.
     

Shubman Gill’s assured century gave India a steadfast platform on Day 1. With England yet to find consistent penetration and India’s top-order potency on display, Day 2 promises a strategic chess match between bat and ball.


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