Ravindra Jadeja, a Team India all-rounder, praised captain Shubman Gill for his outstanding 269 in the first innings of the ongoing Test against England at Edgbaston in Birmingham. During his lengthy stay at the crease, the Indian captain did not appear to be interested in going out, which the experienced cricketer said was unfortunate. He described Gill as a batter who has grown [in stature].
Shubman Gill hit 30 fours and three sizzling sixes to complete a stately 269 off 387 balls, shattering several records in the process. India was back in business on Wednesday July 3, at the position of 310-5 in first innings in Birmingham. They (managed to post) 587 runs on the board. Gill (114 on the first day) then put up 203 with Jadeja (89) in the sixth and 144 with Washington Sundar (42) in the seventh.
At a news conference following the play’s second day, Jadeja discussed Gill’s knock and made the following statement (via Times of India):
“You didn’t see how much Shubman Gill has grown? (Laughs). Shubman scored 269 runs. He was unlucky because aaj lag nahi raha tha ki woh out hoga [it never looked like he was going to get out today]. We were actually talking about building a long partnership.”
Ravindra Jadeja
Even though Gill was clearly the game’s hero, Jadeja played a very important role. He made sure there was no early morning collapse on Day 2 by occupying the crease for 208 minutes. After giving his knock some thought, he stated (via Cricinfo):
“I felt if I can see the new ball off, it would become easy for the rest of the innings. Luckily I could bat till lunch, and then Washi[ngton Sundar] also batted well with Shubman. The more you bat in England, the better it is because you never feel you are set in England. At any time a ball can swing and take your edge or bowl you.”
Ravindra Jadeja
Jadeja was on track for a century, but dropped 11 short. Josh Tongue delivered a sharply rising offering that took the left-handed hitter entirely by surprise. The keeper made a straightforward catch after he was only able to fend the ball.
“I took it as a challenge” – Ravindra Jadeja on Edgbaston knock
Team India was well positioned at 414-6 by the time Jadeja was removed on Day 2 of the Birmingham Test. On Day 1, however, when he went out to bat, everything was very different. After quickly dismissing Nitish Reddy and Rishabh Pant, England was in control. He spoke candidly about his knock, saying:
“When you contribute with the bat for the team, it feels great, when you are playing outside India, and the team needs you more, it feels good. From 210 for 5, to put together a big partnership to take the team forward, it is a challenge. I took it as a challenge.”
Ravindra Jadeja
In response to India’s 587-run first innings score, England collapsed at 77-3 after 20 overs on Day 2. In the first innings, India leads the hosts by 510 runs.
