Photo Credit: The Guardian
The second Test at Edgbaston has turned into a personal stage for Shubman Gill’s extraordinary rise in Test cricket. With scores of 147, 269, 161, and an unbeaten 43 already in the series, Gill has amassed a jaw-dropping 585 runs across four innings. He now stands on the verge of rewriting history—possibly breaking Don Bradman’s legendary 974-run haul in a single Test series.
Bradman’s record, set during the 1930 Ashes series, has stood unchallenged for nearly a century. On India’s side, the benchmark is Sunil Gavaskar’s 774 runs on the 1970–71 West Indies tour. With three Tests still to be played—at Lord’s, Old Trafford, and The Oval—Gill’s red-hot form puts him within striking distance of both.
A Historic 400+ Run Performance
Day 4 at Edgbaston was a spectacle, with Gill crafting an unbeaten 161 in India’s second innings to go with his 269 from the first. He became just the fifth cricketer in history to score a double century and a 150+ score in the same match. In doing so, he registered the highest-ever individual aggregate for an Indian in a single Test match—430 runs—surpassing Gavaskar’s previous record.
These numbers put Gill in elite company alongside the likes of Graham Gooch, Mark Taylor, Kumar Sangakkara, and Brian Lara. More than the stats, however, it was the quality and temperament of his innings that captivated cricket fans around the world.
Technique and Temperament
Gill’s batting across both innings at Edgbaston has been lauded for its classical technique. His footwork, shot selection, and ability to read length and spin were masterclasses in red-ball batting. Over nearly 12.5 hours at the crease, he absorbed pressure, neutralized bowlers, and punished mistakes with grace.
As England’s bowlers tried everything from short-pitched spells to spin traps, Gill’s poise and precision stood tall. Even when wickets fell around him, he continued to hold firm—constructing an innings that combined flair with old-school discipline.
India in Command, England on the Ropes
India declared their second innings at 427 for 6, setting England a target of 608 runs to win—an almost insurmountable total. England’s response was disappointing. The top order crumbled yet again, with key players like Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, and Joe Root dismissed cheaply. By stumps, England were 72 for 3, still trailing by 536 runs with two days left to play.
It now appears England’s best hope is to bat long and force a draw. With rain unlikely and India’s bowling attack charged up, even that seems a tall order.
Can Gill Break Bradman’s Record?
With 585 runs already in just four innings, Gill is averaging over 146 for the series. If he keeps up this pace through the remaining six innings, he could challenge Bradman’s iconic 974-run feat. Breaking Gavaskar’s 774 would be a monumental achievement in itself—but Gill seems poised to go beyond.
What makes this potential record even more special is the context: Gill is just 25 years old, playing away in England—a country known for its testing pitches and swing-friendly conditions. That he’s leading from the front, also as stand-in captain in Jasprit Bumrah’s absence, makes his accomplishments even more remarkable.
Leadership and Tactical Clarity
Gill’s leadership has also drawn praise. He’s remained calm under pressure, rotating bowlers effectively and setting aggressive yet sensible fields. Although some questioned his decision to rest Bumrah and Pandya, his trust in Akash Deep and Siraj paid off. Their spells ensured England never built momentum in either innings.
A light-hearted stump-mic exchange went viral when Harry Brook jokingly said to Gill, “Just take the draw,” to which Gill coolly responded while continuing to build India’s mammoth lead. It was a moment that captured his composure and sense of humor, even under intense pressure.
What’s Next?
India hold a massive 536-run lead going into Day 5. A win is all but assured unless weather intervenes.
- Shubman Gill will now look ahead to Lord’s, where he will aim to extend his record-breaking series.
- England, having lost both the scoreboard and the psychological battle, must regroup quickly if they are to keep the series alive.
Gill’s Edgbaston heroics will be remembered as one of the greatest Test performances by an Indian abroad. But it may only be the beginning. With the series still wide open, the young batter has the chance to etch his name alongside the greatest legends of the game.
If he continues at this pace, Shubman Gill might not just chase Bradman’s record—he could rewrite the mythology of Test cricket itself.
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