Gill's Twin Tons And Pant’s Power Show Put India In Command Against England

#Ind vs Eng Test, Gill

Shubman Gill continued his dream form with a sensational century in the second innings after a record-breaking double ton in the first, as India tightened their grip over England on Day 4 of the second Test. At tea, India stood strong at 304/4, leading by a massive 484 runs, with Gill unbeaten on 100 and Ravindra Jadeja solid on 25.

India resumed the second session at 177/3, with Gill on 24 and Rishabh Pant on 41. Pant wasted no time, striking a four off the very first ball. Gill followed up with an aggressive assault on Josh Tongue, smashing two boundaries and a six to quickly raise the scoring rate. The duo counter-attacked effectively, adding 100 runs off just 92 balls to further frustrate the English bowlers.

Gill reached his half-century off 57 deliveries, and Pant brought up his third 50-plus score of the series in just 48 balls, hitting six boundaries and two maximums. Pant’s quick-fire 65 off 58 balls came to an end when he miscued a lofted shot off Shoaib Bashir, caught by Ben Duckett at long-off, breaking a 110-run stand for the fourth wicket.

Despite the setback, Gill maintained his composure. A few quiet overs later, he struck a lofted four to bring up India’s 250. His partnership with Jadeja reached fifty in 91 balls, as India crossed the 300-run mark in the 65th over.

Gill brought up his eighth Test century in 129 balls, decorated with nine fours and three sixes. Coming after his monumental 269 in the first innings, the young skipper showcased maturity and aggression in equal measure, further strengthening his growing reputation as a red-ball stalwart.

Morning Session Recap:

India had begun Day 4 on 64/1, holding a lead of 244 runs. KL Rahul (28*) and Karun Nair (7*) were at the crease. Nair was dismissed early for 26 by Brydon Carse, failing once again to convert his start. Rahul, however, looked fluent and brought up his half-century in the 28th over with a three off Tongue. But the pacer struck back soon after, cleaning up Rahul for 55 — his innings including ten crisp boundaries.

From there, it was the Pant-Gill show. The pair began aggressively, adding 50 runs in just 51 balls. Their fearless intent ensured India added 113 runs in the first session while losing only two wickets.

First Innings Summary:

England had won the toss and opted to bowl, but India made them pay dearly. India piled up 587 runs, led by a breathtaking double century from skipper Shubman Gill. England responded strongly, reaching 407 thanks to a stunning 303-run stand between Jamie Smith (184* off 207 balls) and Harry Brook (158 off 234), after being reduced to 89/5.

Mohammed Siraj was the pick of the Indian bowlers, finishing with figures of 6/70 and playing a key role in ensuring a 180-run lead for the hosts after the first innings.

Outlook:

With one more day to play and a commanding lead in hand, India appear poised to either push for a declaration and bowl England out, or pile on further pressure with the bat. England’s bowlers looked fatigued, and the Indian batters continue to dictate terms. The penultimate day clearly belonged to the hosts — and more importantly, to Shubman Gill.

Highlights:

Shubman Gill: 269 in the first innings and 100* in the second.
Rishabh Pant: 65 off 58 balls, his third 50+ score of the series.
Mohammed Siraj: 6 wickets in England’s first innings.
India’s lead: 484 runs at Tea on Day 4.
Jamie Smith & Harry Brook: Record sixth-wicket partnership of 303 runs for England.

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