Shubman Gill smashed a brilliant 269 as India posted a massive 587 in the first innings of the 2nd Test against England at Edgbaston. Supported by Jadeja and Sundar, Gill’s record-breaking knock led India’s dominance, marking one of the finest Test innings by an Indian captain overseas.
In an innings that will be remembered for years, Indian skipper Shubman Gill produced a masterclass in Test batting, slamming a majestic 269 to power India to a mammoth 587 runs in 151 overs during their first innings against England in the second Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test at Edgbaston on Thursday. Gill’s career-best effort not only put India in the driver’s seat but also rewrote several records, underlining his status as a generational batting talent.
When India stood at a shaky 211/5, few would have predicted the final total nearing 600. But Gill had other plans. With impeccable technique, unwavering temperament, and immense stamina, he batted for over eight hours to notch up the highest individual score by an Indian batter in Tests on English soil. His monumental 269 also became the highest score by an Indian Test captain, and the seventh-highest overall by an Indian in the format.
Gill’s innings was a blend of aggression and patience, as he struck 30 crisp fours and 3 towering sixes. Whether attacking short-pitched deliveries or defending good-length balls, Gill remained in complete command. His adaptability against the English attack and smart shot selection reflected a maturity well beyond his years.
What made this knock even more special was the manner in which he built partnerships with the lower middle order. Ravindra Jadeja contributed a valiant 89, forming a vital 203-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Gill. Following Jadeja’s dismissal, Washington Sundar added 42 runs, stitching another significant 144-run stand for the seventh wicket. These two partnerships ensured India’s dominance despite earlier setbacks.
For England, the day turned into a grind. Their bowlers struggled for breakthroughs on a pitch that offered little assistance. Shoaib Bashir ended with figures of 3-167, while Chris Woakes (2-81) and Josh Tongue (2-119) managed a few breakthroughs. However, none could find a way past Gill’s resolute blade for most of the day.
The final session began with relative calmness. But Gill’s remarkable innings finally ended when he attempted to hook a short ball from Tongue, only to pick out the fielder at square leg. As he walked back, the Edgbaston crowd stood in unison, applauding one of the finest knocks seen on English soil by a visiting batter. India’s innings wrapped up shortly after, with Akash Deep holing out to long-on and Mohammed Siraj being stumped, both off Bashir’s bowling.
Gill’s dismantling of the England bowlers was evident throughout. He handled Bashir with authority, lifting him over long-off and punching straight drives with ease. He also attacked Tongue and Brook with stylish cuts and pulls, bringing up his double century with a powerful pull shot and celebrating with a fist pump and a bow — a signature move that has now become iconic.
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Sundar’s eventual dismissal to Joe Root and the quick fall of the remaining wickets meant India couldn’t quite reach 600, finishing at 587 — their fourth-highest total in Test history. Nevertheless, the sheer dominance displayed by the Indian skipper and the valuable contributions from the lower order ensured that England were handed a massive task heading into the rest of the match.
As the Edgbaston crowd digested the batting masterclass, it became clear that this was a statement innings — not just for the series but for Gill’s legacy. It was a captain’s knock in every sense, showing resilience, skill, and class — qualities that are the hallmark of Test greatness.
