Shubman Gill Praises Pace Attack, Confirms Bumrah's Return for Lord's Test

India captain Shubman Gill hailed the spirited performance of his pace attack after India roared back into the five-match Test series with a commanding win at Edgbaston, levelling the series 1-1 against England.

Leading the charge in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah was Akash Deep, who delivered a career-best performance with match figures of 10 wickets, including 6 for 99 in the final innings. This marked his maiden ten-wicket haul in just his eighth Test. Akash received solid support from Mohammed Siraj, who took a six-wicket haul in England’s first innings, and Prasidh Krishna, who kept up relentless pressure despite a smaller haul of wickets.

“They [the bowlers] were magnificent,” Gill said at the post-match presentation. “I think the way we were able to get through the top order, that was very important for us. Both those bowlers bowled brilliantly. Even Prasidh, I felt, he didn’t get as many wickets as them, but he also bowled very brilliantly.”

The captain was particularly impressed by Akash Deep’s movement and consistency.

“I think he bowled with so much heart and the areas and the lengths that he hit, he was just getting the ball to move both ways. On wickets like these, it’s very difficult to get the ball moving in both directions and he was able to do that. He was just magnificent for us.”

Gill also confirmed that Jasprit Bumrah will return to the playing XI for the third Test at Lord’s, starting July 10. Bumrah was rested for the second Test as part of a workload management strategy.

“Definitely,” Gill said, when asked about Bumrah’s return. “Very excited for that [playing at Lord’s]. Probably the most iconic cricket stadium in the world. And as a kid, everyone dreams about playing there. And I think no bigger honour than to be able to captain your country and lead the team there.”

Gill expressed confidence in India’s fast-bowling depth, which has become a standout feature of the current squad.

“When two of your fast bowlers take 16-17 wickets, the captaincy becomes very easy,” he said. “Bumrah was not playing in this match, but I think there is so much talent in India that the squad we have of 16-17 players, they have India’s best bowlers. And from them, any bowling attack can take 20 wickets in any situation or conditions.”

Aside from leading with the captain’s armband, Gill also delivered with the bat, scoring 269 and 161 in the Test — an aggregate of 430 runs, the second-highest ever in a Test match behind Graham Gooch’s 456 against India in 1990. He also became only the second batter in history to notch two 150-plus scores in a single Test.

“I’d say I’m feeling comfortable [with my batting],” Gill said. “I’m definitely feeling comfortable with my game and hopefully with my contribution, if we are able to win this series, that would be a great achievement for us.”

The third Test at Lord’s promises high stakes as both sides aim to take the lead in what is shaping up to be a thrilling contest.