Picture this: Shubman Gill, helmet off, fist pumping, bowing to a roaring Edgbaston crowd as he smashes a historic 269. The Indian captain didn’t just bat—he rewrote record books and put England on the ropes in the 2nd Test.
With India piling on a mammoth 587 runs, this match is a tale of grit, glory, and a few broken English dreams. Let’s break down how India dominated, why Gill’s knock is legendary, and what’s next in this thrilling series.
Day 1: India’s Solid Start
India started Day 1 at Edgbaston on a tricky note after England’s Ben Stokes won the toss and chose to bowl. The pitch looked flat, but England’s pace attack, led by Chris Woakes, struck early, dismissing KL Rahul (2) and Karun Nair (31).
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s fiery 87 kept India afloat, but a middle-order wobble saw Rishabh Pant and Nitish Kumar Reddy fall quickly, leaving India at 211/5.
Enter Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja, who stitched a crucial 99-run partnership by stumps, ending the day at 310/5. Gill’s unbeaten 114 was a captain’s knock, setting the stage for Day 2.
Day 2: Gill’s Epic Double Century
Day 2 was all about Shubman Gill. Resuming on 114, he batted with laser focus, blending caution with elegant strokeplay. His 269-run marathon (387 balls, 21 fours, 1 six) included a maiden Test double century, making him the first Indian captain to achieve this in England.
Gill surpassed Sunil Gavaskar’s 221 from 1979, setting the highest Test score by an Indian in England. He also joined Virat Kohli as the only Indian captains with overseas double tons.
Ravindra Jadeja (89) fell just short of a century, gloving a short ball from Josh Tongue. Their 203-run stand was a game-changer, pushing India past 400 by lunch (419/6).
Washington Sundar (42) added a steady 144-run partnership with Gill before falling to Joe Root. The tail, with Akash Deep (4) and Prasidh Krishna, frustrated England, taking India to 587 all out in 151 overs.
England’s bowlers, especially Shoaib Bashir (3 wickets), toiled as Gill picked gaps with ease.
England’s Batting Woes
England’s reply started shakily. Akash Deep struck twice, removing Ben Duckett (0) and Ollie Pope (golden duck), while Mohammed Siraj dismissed Zak Crawley, leaving England reeling at 50/3.
Harry Brook’s bold six off Siraj showed fight, but with Joe Root at the crease, England face a mountain to climb, trailing by over 500 runs. India’s bowlers, led by Deep and Siraj, have set the tone for a potential rout.
Records Shattered by Gill
Shubman Gill’s 269 wasn’t just a big score—it was historic. Here’s what he achieved:
- Highest Indian Test Score in England: Broke Sunil Gavaskar’s 221 (1979).
- First Indian Captain’s Double Century in England: Joined Virat Kohli as the only Indian captains with overseas double tons.
- Elite Company: Fifth Indian captain with a Test double century, alongside Kohli, Tendulkar, Dhoni, and Pataudi.
- Fastest to 200 as Captain: Reached the milestone in his third innings as captain, matching Gavaskar’s record.
- First Asian Captain in SENA: First Asian captain to score a double century in South Africa, England, New Zealand, or Australia.
Fan Poll
Can India win the 2nd Test and level the series?
- Yes, India’s bowlers will dominate.
- No, England’s batting will fight back.
- It’ll be a draw.
The Gist of India’s Dominance
Short on time? Here’s the lowdown:
- What: India scored 587 in their first innings in the 2nd Test at Edgbaston.
- Star: Shubman Gill smashed a record-breaking 269, the highest Test score by an Indian in England.
- Key Support: Yashasvi Jaiswal (87) and Ravindra Jadeja (89) played vital knocks.
- England’s Struggle: Bowled out India but slumped to 50/3, with Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj striking early.
- Impact: India are in control, with Gill breaking multiple records.
Why This Matters to Indian Fans
For Indian cricket fans, this match is pure joy. Gill’s knock is a statement—India’s young brigade is here to dominate. After a 5-wicket loss in the 1st Test at Headingley, where Gill (147), Jaiswal (101), and Pant (134) shone but the team faltered, this performance shows resilience.
Fans on X are buzzing, with posts calling Gill’s 269 a “masterclass” and India’s total “a Bazball nightmare.” The series is 0-1, and a win here could level it, setting up a thrilling Lord’s Test.
What’s Next?
With England at 50/3, India’s bowlers have a golden chance to tighten the screws. The pitch at Edgbaston favors spinners, and with Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja in the side, India could exploit any turn.
England’s aggressive “Bazball” approach might backfire if Brook and Root can’t rebuild. Fans will be glued to see if Gill’s men can convert this dominance into a series-levelling win. Check out our preview of Day 3 for more insights.
Gill’s 269 has set social media on fire, and we want to hear from you! Is this India’s moment to turn the series around? Share your thoughts in the comments, and explore our latest cricket updates for more on India’s tour of England.
