IND vs ENG Live: India eye early wickets on Day 3 to extend dominance

India’s dream day didn’t end with the bat. The pacers made full use of the conditions that England’s bowlers failed to exploit.

Akash Deep, playing his first Test of the series, struck in his second over, removing Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope with deliveries that seamed away. Mohammed Siraj then dismissed Zak Crawley, reducing England to a precarious 25 for 3.

Though Joe Root (18*) and Harry Brook (30*) steadied the ship somewhat, England ended Day 2 at 77 for 3, still trailing by 510. It was a perfect day for India — dominated with the bat, capped off with the ball.

While Gill stole the show, Ravindra Jadeja’s 89 off 137 was equally vital. Their 203-run stand ensured India recovered from a modest 310 for five overnight to post a massive total.

Jadeja’s knock was filled with classical strokes, including a cut and a punch off Stokes early in the day. He fell to a short ball from Tongue, gloving it behind.

Later, Washington Sundar stood firm for 42, providing valuable lower-order support. Together, they ensured India’s tail wagged, pushing the total past 580. The Indian innings was a team effort built around one majestic pillar: Shubman Gill.

England tried everything — short balls, reverse swing, spin, and even defensive field placements — but nothing fazed Gill.

Ben Stokes’ move to bring on occasional bowlers Brook and Root reflected England’s desperation.

Gill, unfazed, kept the scoreboard ticking and remained patient even when stuck on 199 for several deliveries. He eventually brought up his double ton with a single off Josh Tongue to fine leg, receiving a well-deserved standing ovation.

Though he fell soon after tea for 269, the damage was done. His innings was not just about runs but about wearing down England’s bowlers and breaking their spirit.

Beyond the stats, Gill’s innings was a commanding show of leadership. Taking over India’s most iconic batting position — No. 4, once occupied by Virat Kohli — Gill has seamlessly embraced the responsibility.

His 203-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja set the tone early on Day 2, and later a 144-run stand with Washington Sundar ensured India did not squander the advantage as they had in Leeds.

With England’s short-ball tactics and Shoaib Bashir’s spin proving ineffective, Gill even punished part-timers like Harry Brook with ease, striking five boundaries off a single spell. His presence allowed others to bat freely, showcasing a blend of personal dominance and tactical maturity.

Shubman Gill delivered a monumental innings of 269 off 387 balls, a near-flawless knock that not only guided India to a formidable 587 but also cemented his place among India’s batting greats. His innings featured 30 fours and 3 sixes, surpassing records set by Sunil Gavaskar and Rahul Dravid for the highest individual score by an Indian in England.

More significantly, he became the first Asian captain to register a Test double hundred on English soil. In just his debut series as Test captain, Gill’s composure, shot selection, and authority at the crease showcased maturity well beyond his years.