It was an incredible day at work for Team India as captain Shubman Gill’s historic double century and early inroads by the Indian pacers gave the visitors firm control of the second Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham.
At stumps on Day 2, England were 77/3, still trailing by a mammoth 510 runs, with Joe Root (18)* and Harry Brook (30)* at the crease.
India’s first innings ended at 587, built around a masterclass of batting from skipper Gill, who scored 265 — the highest-ever score by an Indian in England, surpassing Sunil Gavaskar.
Early blows rock England
Chasing a daunting total, England’s openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett came out with intent but Akash Deep struck in his second over, removing both Duckett and Ollie Pope for golden ducks. England quickly slipped to 13/2.
Soon after, Crawley (19) edged one from Mohammed Siraj to Karun Nair in the slips, making it 25/3. Root and Brook steadied the innings with an unbeaten 50-run stand to close the day without further damage.
Gill’s record-breaking marathon knock
India resumed the day on 310/5, with Gill (114)* and Ravindra Jadeja (41)* continuing their partnership. Jadeja brought up his 23rd Test fifty, but fell short of a century, dismissed for 89 by Josh Tongue.
Gill, meanwhile, marched on, completing his 150 and then notching up a career-defining double century — his first in Tests — with a single in the 122nd over.
Gill reached his 250 in 348 balls with 29 fours and 3 sixes, eventually staying unbeaten on 265, a knock decorated with elegant strokes, reverse sweeps, and classical drives.
The 144-run stand between Gill and Washington Sundar (42) further frustrated England before Sundar was bowled by Joe Root. Gill and Akash Deep (0)* ensured no further wickets fell as India declared at 587.
Day 2 Session Highlights:
- Morning: Jadeja-Gill’s 150+ stand gave India strong momentum. Jadeja was dismissed for 89.
- Afternoon: Gill reached 200, then 250, taking India past 500. India ended at 564/7 at Tea.
- Evening: Akash Deep removed Duckett and Pope; Siraj sent back Crawley; England ended on 77/3.
Day 2 Summary:
India 1st innings: 587 all out
- Shubman Gill: 265* (348), Ravindra Jadeja: 89 (137), Washington Sundar: 42
- Shoaib Bashir: 3/167
England 1st innings: 77/3
- Harry Brook: 30*, Joe Root: 18*
- Akash Deep: 2/36, Mohammed Siraj: 1/24
India lead by 510 runs at the end of Day 2, with a firm grip on the Test match.