Indian captain Shubman Gill’s exceptional batting and shrewd leadership in the recent Edgbaston Test victory against England have garnered significant praise from former Australian skipper Michael Clarke.
Gill’s Record-Breaking Edgbaston Triumph
Shubman Gill made history during his second Test as India’s captain in the Edgbaston match. India secured a massive 336-run victory, with Gill setting several personal and team records.
He became the only Asian captain to win a Test match at Edgbaston. Furthermore, his aggregate of 430 runs in the Test was the second-best ever in a single Test match by an Indian captain.
Michael Clarke: Score Runs to Earn Respect
Former Australian captain Michael Clarke believes Gill’s batting performance is the ultimate way to earn respect as a leader. Speaking on the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast, Clarke expressed his admiration for Gill’s form.
“If you are a batsman, score runs. That’s the best way to earn respect,” Clarke stated. He noted Gill’s comfort and dominance against both pace and spin, especially in challenging English conditions. “I have been like everyone, super impressed by the way he has walked out and batted in England conditions,” he added.
Dominating the English Bowling Attack
Gill started the series with a century and continued to dismantle the English bowling attack at Edgbaston. His first innings score of 269 was the highest by an Indian batsman in England.
Following that with a second innings century, Gill became only the second batsman to score two 150-plus scores in a Test match, a feat previously achieved by Allan Border in 1980.
Clarke on Tackling Gill’s Batting
While praising Gill, Clarke also offered insights into how bowlers might try to get him out. He was particularly impressed by Gill’s improved defense, suggesting he has worked hard on that aspect of his game.
Clarke proposed that short balls could be used to push Gill back, potentially setting him up for a front-foot length delivery. This tactic aims to challenge his aggressive pull shot or catch him off guard.
Tactical Brilliance as Captain
Beyond his batting, Gill’s captaincy also earned Clarke’s commendation. With India posting a massive total, Gill’s strategic use of his bowlers was deemed “tactically brilliant.”
Clarke highlighted Gill’s effective deployment of spinners, particularly Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar. Sundar’s crucial wicket of Ben Stokes just before lunch on the final day was a testament to Gill’s sharp decisions.
“I think he used his spinners well. I think he attacked in the right areas. I think he gave the bowlers protection where they needed it to allow them to bowl the ball for that wicket taking ball,” Clarke explained, praising Gill’s ability to read his bowlers and give them confidence.
The Kuldeep Yadav Question
With Jasprit Bumrah returning for the third Test, Clarke pondered the inclusion of leg-spinner Kuldeep Yadav. While acknowledging the contributions of Jadeja and Sundar, Clarke believes Kuldeep could be a crucial addition for taking 20 wickets.
“I just think Kuldeep is ready to be playing in that Test team. I think he has that X factor,” Clarke stated. However, he concluded that India’s winning ways justify their current team selections.
- Shubman Gill set multiple records in the Edgbaston Test, including becoming the only Asian captain to win a Test there.
- Michael Clarke believes a batsman scoring runs is the best way to earn respect as a captain.
- Gill’s Edgbaston performance included two 150+ scores, a rare feat in Test cricket.
- Clarke praised Gill’s tactical captaincy, especially his use of spinners.
- Clarke suggests short balls could be a tactic against Gill, but he has been impressed with Gill’s improved defense.
Gill’s dual role as a prolific batsman and an astute captain is quickly solidifying his position as a formidable leader for the Indian Test team.
