Timesofindia.com in Birmingham: India’s captain Shubman Gill was in his royal best in the second Test, both as a batsman and leader. He scored a brilliant 269 in the first innings, followed by a commanding 161 in the second, and then India inspired India for a historic victory in Edgbaston-which is his first Test victory at the venue. After losing the initial test by five wickets in the headingley, India lagged the five-match series 1-1-1, with a 336-run win 1-1-1.Gill’s performance earned praise from all quarters – including England captain Ben Stokes.Stokes said in a press conference after the match, “He played surprisingly well in Headingly, but was excellent in the first innings here-that was excellent.”Chasing the 608-run world-ridden target, England started the day 5 at 72/3, which had the best hope. However, he was eventually excluded for 271.
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Stokes also acknowledged the impact of India’s speed attack, especially Akash Deep, who claimed his first five wicket race in tests.“Akash Deep used his angles well and was very accurate. He was zoning on that crack. Very efficient,” Stokes said.He said, “If we were five below in the first innings, we were able to break down, things could have been different. After him at 200/5, we were happy – but we couldn’t just finish them,” he said.With the hope of Jasprit Bumrah’s return to India, England may consider bringing the Joffra Archer back to the third Test – his first since February 2021.
On the possibility of Archer’s return, Stokes said: “We will see how everyone pulls … Everyone is in thought at this time.”
