Shubman Gill's magnificent double century powered India to a dominant position against England on Day 2 of the second Test at Edgbaston. Gill's career-best 269, the highest score by an Indian batsman in a Test in England, helped India amass a formidable first-innings total of 587. In response, England stumbled to 77/3 at stumps, trailing by a massive 510 runs.
Gill's innings was a blend of patience, discipline, and calculated aggression. Resuming on his overnight score of 114, the Indian captain continued his impressive form, displaying a wide array of shots. He forged crucial partnerships with Ravindra Jadeja (89) and Washington Sundar (42), adding 203 and 144 runs respectively, to take India close to the 600-run mark. Gill's knock was finally ended when he was caught at square leg off the bowling of Josh Tongue. His innings of 269 included 30 fours and three sixes.
The 25-year-old Gill became only the second Indian skipper to score 150 or more in England, following Mohammad Azharuddin's 179 at Old Trafford in 1990. Gill also broke Sunil Gavaskar's record of 221 at the Oval in 1979 for the highest score by an Indian in England. He became the first Indian batter to score a 250+ score outside the subcontinent. He also now holds the record for the third-highest score by a visiting Test captain in England.
England's woes were compounded by a strong opening spell from the Indian pacers. Stand-in fast bowler Akash Deep, replacing the rested Jasprit Bumrah, struck twice in consecutive balls to remove Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope cheaply. Mohammed Siraj then dismissed Zak Crawley, leaving England reeling at 25/3. Joe Root (18) and Harry Brook (30) managed to steady the ship somewhat, but England still face an uphill battle to get back into the game.
The pitch at Edgbaston appeared to be good for batting, but there were signs of it being slow. England's bowlers struggled to contain the Indian batsmen, with Shoaib Bashir being the pick of the bowlers with 3 wickets for 167 runs. Chris Woakes and Josh Tongue picked up 2 wickets each.
India are aiming for their fourth series win in England, having previously won in 1971, 1986 and 2007. England lead the five-match series 1-0 after winning the first Test at Headingley. The third Test will be held at Lord's from July 10-14.
