Has Jadeja Recognized the Remarkable Growth of Skipper Gill After Edgbaston Masterclass?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Shubman Gill scored a record-breaking 269 runs.
- Ravindra Jadeja praised Gill’s evolution as a cricketer.
- India posted a massive first innings total of 587.
- England faced challenges with fatigue after long hours in the field.
- Akash Deep made a significant impact with the ball.
Birmingham, July 4 (NationPress) Ravindra Jadeja heaped accolades on Shubman Gill following the Indian captain’s extraordinary double century, which positioned India strongly on Day 2 of the second Test against England at Edgbaston.
“You should have witnessed how much Shubman Gill has evolved,” Jadeja remarked after the conclusion of play. “Shubman amassed an impressive 269 runs. He was quite unfortunate as it seemed he would not get out today. We were discussing the importance of forging a long-lasting partnership.”
And indeed, they achieved that. Gill’s astonishing 269 — the highest ever by an Indian captain in Test matches and the seventh highest overall for India — served as the foundation for India’s massive first innings total of 587. Jadeja himself played a pivotal role, contributing 89 runs as the duo added a significant 203 runs for the sixth wicket, comfortably dismantling England’s weary bowlers on a pitch that remained favorable throughout the day.
Gill's epic innings redefined the record books, eclipsing Virat Kohli’s previous best of 254* to become India’s highest-scoring captain in Test cricket history. His performance also helped India achieve their fourth-highest Test total on English soil. Contributions from Washington Sundar (42) and resilience from the lower order further bolstered India's lead.
After enduring 151 strenuous overs in the field, the English side appeared fatigued and demoralized.
“Enduring 151 overs in any circumstance is quite challenging. There are tired minds and weary bodies,” stated England assistant coach Jeetan Patel at stumps.
“Putting in that amount of effort is not solely physical; it's also mental. Hats off to Shubman for his exemplary batting over the two days; it was a masterclass in how to excel on a quality pitch. The guys gave it their all, but they are understandably exhausted from their efforts.”
However, India’s supremacy did not conclude with their batting display. With Jasprit Bumrah resting, Akash Deep stepped up remarkably, taking two wickets in two deliveries to dismiss Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope early on. Mohammed Siraj then sent Zak Crawley back, leaving England struggling at 25/3.
A determined partnership between Harry Brook (30*) and Joe Root (18*) ensured no further setbacks before stumps, as England limped to 77/3 — still trailing by 510 runs.