Shubman Gill's Historic Double Century Powers India in Second Test Against England

India Takes Command on Day Two of the Second Test

Birmingham [UK], July 3: Team India had a remarkable day at Edgbaston, highlighted by a stunning double century from captain Shubman Gill. By the end of the second day of the second Test, India had established a strong position, leaving England at 77/3.

England's innings began with openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett facing a daunting target of 587 runs set by India in their first innings. Crawley showed intent early on, hitting two boundaries off Akash Deep in the opening over.

However, Deep quickly turned the tide, dismissing both Duckett and Ollie Pope for ducks in consecutive deliveries, leaving England struggling at 13/2.

Joe Root joined Crawley, but their partnership was short-lived as Mohammed Siraj's delivery found its way to Karun Nair at slips, sending Crawley back for 19 runs off 30 balls, and reducing England to 25/3.

Root and Harry Brook managed to stabilize the innings, forming an unbeaten partnership of fifty runs as they navigated through the remainder of the session without losing any further wickets.

At Tea, India stood at 564/7, with Gill (265*) and Akash Deep (0*) at the crease.

Resuming the second session at 419/6, Gill (168*) was joined by Washington Sundar (1*). The duo played cautiously initially, but Gill soon unleashed his attacking prowess against Shoaib Bashir and Josh Tongue, hitting two fours and a six in quick succession.

Gill reached his double century with a single off Tongue, becoming only the third Indian to achieve this feat in Test cricket, following legends Sunil Gavaskar and Rahul Dravid.

After reaching the milestone, Gill's confidence soared, and he executed a series of exquisite shots, including a reverse sweep and powerful drives, surpassing Gavaskar's record for the highest score by an Indian in England.

India crossed the 500-run mark, with Gill and Sundar forming a century partnership for the seventh wicket in just 136 balls. Gill's remarkable innings included 29 fours and three sixes, as he reached 250 runs.

Root's part-time spin finally broke the partnership, as he dismissed Sundar for 42 runs, ending a significant 144-run stand. India was then at 558/7.

Gill and Deep ensured that India did not lose any more wickets, finishing the session strongly.

Earlier in the day, India began at 310/5, with Gill (114*) and Jadeja (41*) unbeaten. Gill quickly brought up a century partnership with Jadeja, who also contributed with aggressive boundaries.

Jadeja reached his half-century, and the duo continued to pile on the runs, with Gill achieving his first-ever 150 in Tests, becoming the second Indian captain to score over 150 in England.

As India approached the 400-run mark, Gill's reverse sweep against Bashir was a highlight, and Jadeja's six helped them reach that milestone.

Eventually, a short ball from Tongue led to Jadeja's dismissal for 89 runs, but Gill remained steadfast, ensuring India ended the session without further loss.

In summary, India finished the day with a commanding lead, having set a formidable target for England.

Brief Scores: India: 587 (Shubman Gill 265, Ravindra Jadeja 89, Shoaib Bashir 3/167) against England: 77/3 (Harry Brook 30*, Joe Root 18*, Akash Deep 2/36).