Shubman Gill, who began the third Test between India and England in Rajkot on Day 4 at 65 off 120 balls, teamed up with nightwatcher Kuldeep Yadav to steady the batting after two early wickets, helping the team reach 196. But in the 64th over, Kuldeep’s bold move backfired when he misplayed a shot to mid-on, forcing Gill to take a chance on a single.
Ben Stokes collected the ball quickly and sent it to Tom Hartley with accuracy. After realizing his error, Gill desperately dove, but he was caught at 91 runs. He was obviously frustrated that his chance to make a century had eluded him. Gill’s excellent performance so far was overshadowed by the needless run-out, which represented a wasted opportunity.
Number 91 hurts.
A bonus wicket for the visitors as Shubman Gill has to depart. #INDvENG #JioCinemaSports #BazBowled #IDFCFirstBankTestSeries pic.twitter.com/ZLBac2Cwym
— JioCinema (@JioCinema) February 18, 2024
After captain Rohit Sharma’s early elimination, Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal showed tenacity on Saturday, forging a crucial 155-run partnership for India. Jaiswal reached his third century in Test cricket, and Gill proved he was a determined man, scoring 65 runs with a well-earned fifty. Jaiswal scored 104 runs but had to be forced out due to injury.
Later in the day, Gill became the anchor and let Jaiswal go to town on the English bowlers. Gill then joined forces with Kuldeep Yadav, creating a strong combo spanning over 50 matches that increased pressure on England on Day 4. Their combined efforts helped India surpass 250 runs and edge closer to a commanding 400-run advantage, demonstrating their superiority over the opposition.
When scrutinized, Shubman Gill performed poorly.
It was his second termination during the 1990s. With his move to the No. 3 spot in Test cricket, the right-handed hitter had come under more scrutiny. Jaiswal’s ascent to the top of the Indian lineup replaced him as the opener. He was lackluster in Hyderabad, but in Vizag, he bounced back with a brilliant century.
He would have had back-to-back hundreds in two tests if he had made his 91 into a century. After a duck in the first innings of the third Test against England, which saw India reduced to 10 men, the onus was on the Punjab batsman to confirm his Vizag victory. But he still has two Tests left to go before he can cement his spot with another brilliant innings.
India
