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India's captain Shubman Gill celebrates after scoring a century on day one of the second cricket test match between England and India at Edgbaston in Birmingham, England, Wednesday, July 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)
Former England player Jonathan Trott said that Shubman Gill’s body language and strategy in the opening day of the second India vs England Test are the traits of a world class player who has a bright future in the game. Gill struck his second century of the series, steering India to 310/5 at Stumps on day 1. On Day 2, he has continued on the same vein, going close and closer to his first Test double century.
“What also stood out was his body language and the way he scored his runs. His control against the English bowlers sent a message to the dressing room that he was taking charge (and) leading from the front,” Trott said in ‘JioHotstar’.
“His intent was clear: “I’ll be there, I’ll be not out, and I’ll resume tomorrow. I’ll make sure we get into a winning position’. (It was) very impressive from such a young man — a world-class player with a bright future.” “Having the confidence to execute a plan that’s not necessarily textbook, but gives you an edge over the opposition, is remarkable. As captain, that has a significant impact not just out in the middle, but also for those watching from the team balcony,” he added.
The incumbent Afghanistan cricket team coach also pointed out the difference in approach in Gill’s batting while facing Brydon Carse and Chris Woakes at Birmingham.
“Carse has a bit more pace than Chris Woakes, but what’s impressive is Gill’s understanding of how to counter both,” he said.
“He knows Woakes will try to attack the stumps, and without express pace, Gill formulated a plan to handle that — not something he came up with on the day, but a strategy clearly thought out well in advance. This is what separates good players from average ones and world-class players from the rest.”
Gill made his maiden Test 150 and Ravindra Jadeja supported him with a gritty fifty as India reached 419 for six at lunch against England on the second day of the second match on Thursday.
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Gill (168 batting) and Jadeja (89) added 203 runs for a strong sixth-wicket alliance, before the latter got out to Josh Tongue.
India added 119 runs in a dominant first session of the day. Gill’s unbeaten 168 was also his highest Test score, surpassing the 147 he made in the first Test at Leeds.
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