Shubman Gill Aims for Series Victory After Second Test Century Against England
Gill's Ambition for Series Win
After scoring his second Test century during the ongoing tour of England, Shubman Gill, the captain of the Indian Test team, emphasized that the team's goal extends beyond just winning the Test match; they are determined to secure the series as well.
Impressive Performance in Birmingham
In the second Test held in Birmingham on Wednesday, Gill showcased a remarkable blend of caution and aggression. By the end of Day 1, he had amassed an impressive 114* runs off 216 balls, including 12 boundaries.
Gill's Determination
In a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Gill stated, "We definitely want to win this Test match and the series."
Resilience Amidst Wickets Falling
Despite India losing wickets in quick succession, Gill maintained his composure, skillfully finding gaps and keeping the scoreboard moving.
Joining an Elite Group
As the youngest Test captain for India, Gill celebrated a significant milestone by scoring a century in his second Test match. He became the fourth Indian captain to achieve centuries in his first two Tests, joining the ranks of Virat Kohli, Vijay Hazare, and Sunil Gavaskar.
Historic Achievement
Gill also entered the record books alongside batting legends Dilip Vengsarkar, Rahul Dravid, and Mohammad Azharuddin by scoring hundreds in three consecutive Tests against England. His century came with an impressive control rate of 96.5%, solidifying his dominance in Birmingham.
Stabilizing India's Innings
The 25-year-old captain played a crucial role in stabilizing India's innings after England's captain Ben Stokes opted to bowl first. With India at 95/2, Gill formed a vital 66-run partnership for the third wicket with the young and aggressive Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Gill's Tactical Play
Following the dismissals of KL Rahul and Karun Nair, both Gill and Jaiswal adopted a more cautious approach. Gill faced a close leg-before-wicket decision against Chris Woakes but quickly alleviated the pressure by hitting two boundaries in the 33rd over.
Continuing His Form
Gill demonstrated his exceptional form from the series opener, accumulating runs steadily and fulfilling the management's expectations by scoring his first Test century outside Asia in just 140 balls, featuring 14 fours.
Following in the Footsteps of Legends
He joined the ranks of cricketing greats like Vijay Hazare (1951), Sunil Gavaskar (1976), and Virat Kohli (2014) as the fourth Indian to score a century in the first innings as Test captain. Notably, he also crossed the 2,000-run mark in Test cricket during his debut as captain, mirroring Virat's achievement in Adelaide 11 years ago.