Indian skipper Shubman Gill smashed a historic maiden double century, leading his team to a massive 587 all out in their first innings against England in the second Test.
Gill’s Dominant Knock
Shubman Gill’s exceptional knock of 269 runs, off 387 balls, powered India to a formidable total on the second day of the second Test. He anchored the innings, providing the backbone for India’s imposing score.
While Gill dominated, he received strong support from Yashasvi Jaiswal, who contributed 87 runs, and Ravindra Jadeja, who added a crucial 89. For England, spinner Shoaib Bashir managed to pick up three wickets.
A Captain’s Milestone
Gill’s double hundred was not just a personal best but also a landmark for Indian cricket. He became the first Indian and Asian captain ever to score a double century in a Test match played in England.
This incredible performance also saw him record the highest individual score by an Indian batter on English soil. He surpassed the legendary Sunil Gavaskar’s 221, scored at the Oval back in 1979. Gill’s 269 also stands as the highest-ever Test score by an Indian captain, eclipsing Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 254 against South Africa in 2019.
Breaking Records Galore
Beyond his captaincy records, Gill’s innings was a masterclass in breaking multiple barriers. It was his highest First-Class score to date, outshining his 268 for Punjab in 2018. He also became the first Indian to hit an overseas Test double hundred since 2016.
Gill is only the second Indian Test captain, after Virat Kohli, to achieve an overseas double century. This monumental innings also places him as only the fifth Indian man to record a double hundred in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) countries, a feat not seen since Sachin Tendulkar’s 241 against Australia in 2004.
India’s Imposing Total
India’s total of 587 runs is significant for several reasons. It marks the first time in six years that India has posted a 500-plus total in an away Test match, with the last being 622/7 in Sydney in 2019.
This is also the first time India has crossed 500 in a Test in England since 2007. Furthermore, 587 represents the highest score ever conceded by England under the captaincy of Ben Stokes, who took over in June 2022, highlighting the impact of India’s strong batting performance.
- Shubman Gill scored 269, his maiden Test double century.
- He is the first Indian and Asian captain to score a Test double hundred in England.
- His 269 is the highest individual score by an Indian in England, surpassing Sunil Gavaskar.
- India’s total of 587 is their first 500+ score in an away Test in six years.
Gill’s historic innings has set a strong foundation for India, putting them in a commanding position in this crucial Test match.
