TimesofIndia.com in Birmingham: India completed a hard-fought opening day of the second Take a look at at Edgbaston on 310-5, led by a masterful unbeaten 114 from new captain Shubman Gill. Strolling in with stress mounting and the decrease order uncovered, Gill performed a measured and mature knock to information India out of bother. He discovered a really perfect associate in Ravindra Jadeja, who stood agency with a gritty 41 not out, because the duo stitched collectively an unbroken 99-run stand to regular the innings after two fast wickets post-tea left India teetering at 211-5.

Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal additionally made a robust impression, scoring a fluent 87 on a real batting floor earlier than falling towards the run of play. England’s bowlers toiled underneath sunny skies and on a flat pitch, however discovered sufficient moments to remain within the contest. Chris Woakes, who returned respectable figures of 2-59, mirrored on the day by acknowledging Gill’s high quality. “He performed very properly, good for his workforce. We had been near getting him a few instances, however he appeared in management,” Woakes informed reporters on the finish of the day’s play. Woakes explained England’s rationale for bowling first, citing favourable conditions: “We saw the wicket, and there was a little bit of grass. We thought it would do a bit. 300/7 would have been a great day on a very good batting surface. Hopefully we can break this partnership and then into the tail.” Captain Ben Stokes continued his daring method, opting to bowl first for the tenth time in 11 residence toss wins. Whereas India capitalised with stable partnerships, England’s hopes now hinge on an early breakthrough on day two to reveal India’s tail. The Gill-Jadeja stand stays essential, and with India holding the momentum, England will likely be desperate to shift the steadiness shortly.