India seized control of the second Test match as Shubman Gill scored a remarkable double century and their bowlers tore through England's top order with precision. Gill’s knock of 269, his first double hundred in Tests, was the highlight of a near-perfect day for India.

Gill’s Bat Sets the Tone Early

Before the match, Gill backed India's move to strengthen their lower-order batting, which had failed twice in Headingley. That strategy worked well. He built a 203-run stand for the sixth wicket with Ravindra Jadeja and followed it up with 144 runs for the seventh wicket alongside Washington Sundar. These partnerships helped India post their highest-ever total against England since Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum took charge.

Gill displayed elegance and calmness at the crease. He collected runs with ease, particularly milking Shoaib Bashir for singles like a father teaching his son in a backyard game. He hit consecutive boundaries off Brydon Carse through wide mid-on and cover. Against Harry Brook’s medium pace, Gill was dismissive, brushing past milestones without fuss.

Gill Shines in the Field Too

After his mammoth 387-ball knock, Gill rested briefly but returned to field and made an immediate impact. In just his fourth delivery back on the field, he dived to his left at third slip and took a sensational catch to dismiss Ben Duckett. Akash Deep, filling in for Jasprit Bumrah, was the bowler who created the chance.

In his next delivery, Akash trapped Ollie Pope with a full outswinger. Pope, who had scored a century in Leeds and hoped to continue his form, was caught by KL Rahul at second slip on a second attempt. Soon after, Mohammed Siraj joined the action. He dismissed Zak Crawley with a classic delivery that forced a hard-handed push without footwork — a familiar flaw in Crawley’s game.

By stumps, England were 362 runs short of avoiding the follow-on.

Brook, Root Fight Back Briefly

Joe Root batted cautiously, while Harry Brook looked to counterattack. Brook survived a close lbw call, then went after Siraj, hitting him for boundaries and even launching a six down the ground. Though the pair added 52 runs, it did little to dim Gill’s brilliant day. England still trailed by 510 runs.

A Record-Breaking Knock

Before this series, Gill averaged under 35 in Tests. Now, as captain and India’s new No. 4, he appears in total command. He now holds the record for the highest score by an Indian men's captain and also the highest score by any Indian batter in England.

Gill received strong support from India's spin-bowling allrounders. Jadeja batted aggressively in the morning, hitting back-to-back boundaries off Ben Stokes. The two even exchanged words after Jadeja repeatedly ran halfway down the pitch before deciding to sprint. Umpires had to intervene and warn them to stay off the danger zone.

Jadeja was dismissed just before lunch for 89, gloving a short ball down the leg side. Sundar initially struggled against the bouncers but fought back after lunch. He smashed a six over long leg and played a steady hand while Gill took charge at the other end.

England’s Tiring Bowlers Offer Little Threat

Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes bowled only in short spells and were not used after the morning. Instead, Bashir bowled long spells while Josh Tongue, Carse, and Brook rotated from the other end. Surprisingly, Joe Root bowled fewer overs but finally broke the Gill-Sundar stand with a sharp off-break that bowled Sundar.

Gill’s innings ended after tea when he mistimed a pull shot and was caught at square leg. It was the first true mistake of his innings. Akash and Siraj were dismissed quickly, allowing Bashir to pick up easy wickets at the end.

Brief Scorecard