India made decent progress in the second session on Day 1 of the second Test against England at Edgbaston, reaching 182/3 at tea. However, England would not be very disappointed either because they have been able to dismiss India’s top three under good batting conditions.
Starting from 98 for 2 after lunch, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill batted with composure and put together a steady 66-run partnership that frustrated the England bowlers.
Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was scoring freely in the first session, was kept at bay by the England bowlers as he found difficulty in finding the boundaries. However, he looked in complete control for most of the session before getting dismissed by England captain Ben Stokes. Shubman Gill was watchful in his approach and brought his defensive technique to the fore.
Also read: IND vs ENG 2nd Test Highlights Day 1: Yashasvi Jaiswal Unbeaten On 62 As India Post 98/2
Ben Stokes Ends Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Century Hopes
India added 84 runs in the session. England rotated their bowlers, trying Chris Woakes, Josh Tongue, Brydon Carse, Shoaib Bashir and Stokes. Jaiswal and Gill pair batted without much trouble until a loose shot resulted in the southpaw’s undoing.
As England stopped the flow of runs, they forced Jaiswal to go for a cut shot on an outside-off delivery bowled by Stokes. The ball managed to find the bottom edge of the bat and was caught by the English wicket-keeper. Jaiswal perished after scoring 87 runs.
Rishabh Pant, who scored twin centuries in the previous match at Headingley, joined Gill at the crease. England challenged him with Bashir. Pant took on the off-spinner and smashed him for a six, showing that he will go for his shots.
Evening Session to Decide India’s Control
As the teams return after tea, the focus will be on whether India can capitalise on their strong foundation and push towards a commanding first-innings total. With Gill still unbeaten and Pant opening up, the third session could set the tone for the rest of the match.
For England, wickets are the only way to slow India's momentum.
At the timing of writing, India’s score reads 182/3 with Gill and Pant batting on 42 and 14 runs respectively.
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