In a reminiscent fashion of the first innings, Shubman Gill emerged as the cornerstone of India’s batting, notching up a well-constructed century with a score of 104. Despite his remarkable contribution, the rest of India’s batting order struggled against England’s determined bowling attack.
The day commenced with India aiming to build upon their lead of 171 runs. However, England, led by the experienced James Anderson, had different plans. Anderson, at 41 years old, delivered a crucial early breakthrough by deceiving Rohit Sharma’s defense with a delivery that nipped away.
Details of Shubman Gill performance:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, too, succumbed to Anderson’s skill, chasing a delivery angled across and providing England with an ideal start. Shubman Gill, on the other hand, experienced a couple of close LBW calls but survived, courtesy of an inside edge against Tom Hartley and extra bounce against Anderson.
Gill, alongside Shreyas Iyer, initiated a resilient partnership, accumulating an 81-run stand. Gill, under significant pressure, reached a half-century. Unfortunately, Iyer could not capitalize on his start, misjudging a shot against Hartley and falling into the hands of a sharp Ben Stokes, who retreated from mid-off.
Debutant Rajat Patidar departed shortly after, edging a delivery to Ben Foakes. Despite the setbacks, Gill and Axar Patel displayed sensible cricket, crafting an 89-run partnership that expanded India’s lead. Gill, persevering under pressure, achieved a well-deserved century. However, his aggressive intent led to his downfall as he gloved a reverse sweep off Shoaib Bashir.
India faced another setback when Axar Patel was adjudged LBW by Hartley while attempting to play across. R Ashwin and KS Bharat then navigated India through the remaining overs until the break, with India leading by 370 runs.
Brief Scores:
– India 1st Innings: 396 (Yashasvi Jaiswal 209; James Anderson 3-47, Rehan Ahmed 3-65)
– India 2nd Innings: 227/6 (Shubman Gill 104, Axar Patel 45; James Anderson 2-29)
– England 1st Innings: 253 (Zak Crawley 76, Ben Stokes 47; Jasprit Bumrah 6-45, Kuldeep Yadav 3-71)
India maintains a commanding lead of 370 runs over England as the match progresses.
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