India records historic win at Edgbaston: First win for Gill
India registered their first Test win under Shubman Gill’s captaincy. The 25-year-old became the first captain to help India win at this venue in their eighth attempt. An all-round performance from both ball and bat helped India to a 336-run win.
India led the match at the end of the first innings. The men in blue posted 587 in their first innings and bowled out England on 407. India had a healthy 180-run lead and the batters were keen on posting a huge total. At the end of day 4, India declared on 427 and took three quick wickets. The last day was affected by rain but Indian bowlers managed to close the match before the play ended. It was a historic 336-run win at Edgbaston for the Indian cricket team.
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England’s batting collapse helps India level the series
England were asked to chase a total above 600. It wasn’t an easy chase but the English batters had a chance to draw this test match. England bazball approach has helped them to pressurise the opposition. Harry Brook and Jamie Smith used this approach to create a 303 runs partnership in just 368 deliveries. England expected another partnership to draw this test or take them over the line.
The hosts lost three quick wickets at the end of day 4. India were at the top and needed only seven wickets to level the series. England batters failed to replicate their batting from the first innings. Jamie Smith scored 88 runs but other batters were unable to survive on day 5. All Indian bowlers contributed in the wickets column.
India: Two innings, two tons for captain
Shubman Gill was an unstoppable force in this test match. The Indian captain scored a double ton in the first innings and followed it with a 150+ run knock in the second innings. He added 430 runs combined in both innings and this is the second highest aggregate in a test match.
Gill became the third Indian captain to score centuries in both innings of a test match. Shubman’s knock of 269 in the first innings is his highest score in test cricket. This was a captain’s knock by the youngster from Punjab. Gill will head into the next match with top form and hope to lead India to yet another win.
Akash Deep proves his selection
Jasprit Bumrah was rested for this match and everyone thought that India would lose easily. However, his replacement had other plans. Akash Deep was given the responsibility to share the new ball with Siraj and he didn’t disappoint. Both pacers took 10 wickets combined in the first innings. Akash Deep got four crucial dismissals in the process. His main role came in the second innings, when he took six wickets.
The 28-year-old took 10 wickets in the test match. In the post-match interview, the pacer dedicated this performance to his sister who is battling from cancer. The third test match will take place at the iconic Lord’s stadium. Jasprit Bumrah will be back for this match and likely replace Prasidh Krishna. This will be a huge chance for Gill & Co. to take the lead in this test series.
