Can Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja Lead India to Glory?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Shubman Gill scored an unbeaten 168 runs.
- Ravindra Jadeja contributed 89 runs.
- India reached a total of 419/6 at lunch on Day Two.
- The partnership between Gill and Jadeja was worth 203 runs.
- There is a forecast of rain on the fourth and fifth days.
Birmingham, July 3 (NationPress) Captain Shubman Gill maintained his composure, remaining not out on 168, marking his highest Test score, while Ravindra Jadeja contributed significantly with a solid 89. Together, they propelled India to 419/6 in 110 overs by lunchtime on the second day of the second Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Edgbaston this Thursday.
Starting from an overnight score of 310/5, Gill displayed remarkable poise, reaching 150 for the first time in his Test career. The Indian captain played a pivotal role in crossing the 400 mark, forming a significant partnership of 203 runs with Jadeja for the sixth wicket. Despite Jadeja's dismissal just before lunch, Gill, along with Washington Sundar (one not out), is determined to push the score past 500, especially with rain predicted on the fourth and fifth days.
The session commenced with Gill securing a single through the leg-side, which marked the century milestone for their partnership. The duo struck several boundaries off Woakes, and Jadeja celebrated his 23rd Test fifty with an exuberant display.
Jadeja notched up two more boundaries off Stokes, and Gill elegantly drove Woakes for four. As Brydon Carse battled soreness, Gill capitalized with back-to-back boundaries, showcasing his skill. Though Carse attempted a short-ball strategy, Gill achieved his first 150 in Tests off 263 balls.
Jadeja later struck Josh Tongue for a four before lofting a six over the bowler's head, bringing India past 400. Gill then executed a slog-sweep for another six, marking the 200th run of their partnership.
England finally broke through in the 108th over when Tongue delivered a short ball that Jadeja attempted to fend off, resulting in a glove edge caught by wicketkeeper Jamie Smith. Gill and Sundar, who faced a challenging spell from Tongue towards the end, ensured no further wickets fell before the lunch interval.
Brief scores:
India 419/6 in 110 overs (Shubman Gill 168 not out, Ravindra Jadeja 89; Chris Woakes 2-81, Ben Stokes 1-74) against England