Gill Anchors India with Gritty Century on Day 1 at Edgbaston

Shubman Gill stood tall amid mounting pressure and heavy scrutiny, crafting an unbeaten 114 to guide India to 310 for 5 on the opening day of the second Test against England. His second century in as many matches as captain was not just a personal triumph but a vital rescue act for a team reeling from criticism over the decision to rest spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.

After losing the toss and being put in to bat under clear skies, India endured a mixed day marked by unforced errors and moments of brilliance. At stumps, Gill and Ravindra Jadeja (41*) had stitched a valuable unbroken 99-run stand, steadying the innings after a middle-order wobble.

Bumrah Rested, Gill Responds

Before a ball was bowled, eyebrows were raised as Gill announced at the toss that Bumrah would be rested, with the team banking on the Lord’s pitch next week to suit their premier pacer better. The move, coupled with three changes – Akash Deep, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Washington Sundar coming in – left India looking vulnerable, especially after trailing 1-0 in the five-match series.

But by the close of play, Gill had justified his leadership with a knock that combined grit, patience, and tactical maturity. Having arrived at the crease at 95 for 2, he battled through 216 deliveries, unfazed by England’s probing lines and relentless pressure.

England’s Pacers Impress

Ben Stokes’ decision to bowl first paid dividends early on. Chris Woakes was the standout bowler with figures of 2 for 59 and was unlucky not to add more to his tally. He removed KL Rahul for a painstaking 2 from 26 balls and later dismissed Reddy with a peach that nipped back sharply.

Brydon Carse also chipped in, accounting for Karun Nair, who was promoted to No. 3. Shoaib Bashir claimed a big scalp with the dismissal of Rishabh Pant, who perished attempting an ill-advised lofted shot, caught at long-on. It was a costly lapse just as Pant and Gill were building momentum.

Jaiswal’s Fluent Start Ends in Frustration

Yashasvi Jaiswal once again looked imperious, racing to his seventh consecutive fifty against England with an array of stylish strokes. He scored 87 off 105 deliveries, his innings featuring 13 boundaries, including a series of audacious hits off Josh Tongue. However, a loose slash against Stokes brought his innings to an abrupt end, caught behind by Jamie Smith.

Gill’s Fightback

Gill, however, stood firm. His hundred was built on discipline, especially during a tough final session where he called for medical attention as fatigue set in. But he resisted England’s traps, especially a cleverly set field with catchers crowding the off side. His composure paid off late in the day when he brought up his century with consecutive boundaries off Joe Root's part-time spin, celebrating with a passionate roar and his customary bow.

The milestone came off 199 balls, including 11 fours, underlining a measured and resilient approach. Jadeja, at the other end, provided solid support with a fluent 41* off 67 balls, helping India close the day in a position of relative strength.

Looking Ahead

India’s score of 310 for 5 is promising but far from safe. With only Sundar and the tail to come, much rests on the Gill-Jadeja partnership continuing deep into Day 2. India’s batting collapses in the first Test – from 430 for 3 to 436 all out, and from 333 for 4 to 376 – remain fresh in memory. This time, Gill and his men will hope to push past those mental barriers and post a commanding total.

Day 1 Summary:

India 310/5 (85 overs)