India’s talented batsman Shubman Gill found redemption, smashing a stylish century against England on Day 3 of the second Test. This marked his third Test century, breaking a dry spell of 12 innings since March 2023. Gill achieved the milestone with a single off debutant spinner Shoaib Bashir, acknowledging the cheers from the Sunday crowd. His recent poor Test form made this century a significant relief.
Former England captain Alastair Cook was impressed by Gill’s innings, praising the young player and expressing hopes for him to fill the shoes of the legendary Virat Kohli.
“Gill played beautifully. He has serious talent… and there was probably quite a lot of pressure on his shoulders. At the World Cup [in India], all the billboards were of Kohli, but he’s the next one they want to step into his shoes,” said Cook on on TNT Sports as quoted by India Today.
This innings by Shubman Gill was full of skill!
Congratulations on a well timed 100!#INDvENG pic.twitter.com/rmMGE6G2wA— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) February 4, 2024
“That’s a big thing to have the pressure of a country the size of India on your shoulders. As a young talent, that’s something that the likes of Tendulkar and Kohli have dealt with… and he now has to learn to deal with it,” he added.
Despite surviving two close LBW calls early in his innings, Gill showcased fluent strokes, especially through flicks and drives. His luck ran out when attempting a reverse sweep, dismissed by England spinner Shoaib Bashir. The initial dismissal appeal was turned down, but replays confirmed a slight touch on the glove before wicketkeeper Ben Foakes made a sharp catch.
Gill’s innings comprised 104 runs off 147 balls, featuring 11 fours and 2 sixes, with a strike rate of 70.75.
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