India captain Shubman Gill earned high praise for his unbeaten 114 on day one of the second Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test at Edgbaston, with former England cricketer Mark Butcher calling the innings “magnificent” and “solid.”
Gill’s knock helped India reach 310 for 5 in 85 overs at stumps, with Ravindra Jadeja (41*) giving him good company as the duo added an unbroken 99-run partnership for the sixth wicket.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Butcher said he was impressed with Gill’s composure and skill against a strong England attack. “Day one here was different to Headingley – not as much pace in the pitch, not as many balls flying to third man – but that didn’t make it any less exciting or exhilarating. Gill played magnificently.
"He came up with the answers to everything England threw at him. He was so solid and has taken to captaincy. I am not a big one for numbers but he had the lowest false-shot percentage of any innings in England since records began 20 years ago.”
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri also applauded Gill for stepping up with the bat after taking on the added responsibility of captaincy. “It just seems that he's thriving on this responsibility. He knows that it's his job now to get a big 100, not a 114, 160, 170, 180, even a 200, to get his side in a strong position where they can challenge England. Like Mark mentioned about his false shot percentage being the best in 20 years.”
Shastri highlighted how Gill’s improved defence was key to his success. “What was most impressive for me on this tour, in these two innings, is his defence. When he plays forward, it's a big stride forward, and he allows the ball to come onto the bat, plays late, and that bat looks a foot broad when he's actually looking to play in his defensive shot.”
He added, “So I thought he's been fabulous. It's a good sign. When you get captaincy, a lot of people can cave in, they can go into their shell. He's shown he can play both ways. He was attacking in Leeds, here he has batted very responsibly and very determined.”
