Despite England shuffling their bowling plans, they haven\u2019t been able to stop the run flow in India\u2019s innings, with skipper Shubman Gill making his first double century in Tests.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThere seems to be a lack of quality planning, and even when there's a plan, it's not being executed well. You need a strong field to create pressure, at the very least have a point in place, but England gave away too many easy singles right from the start,\u201d said Aaron on JioHotstar.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThat instantly eases nerves for a batsman who\u2019s just come in. Ben Stokes allowed that early comfort, and once the batsmen settled, England were left hoping for miracles, which they eventually got with a near-unplayable delivery. But Test cricket isn\u2019t about miracles.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cYou earn wickets through sustained pressure over long periods, and England just haven\u2019t done that. It may be early to say this, but if India gets their bowling right, England could be in serious trouble \u2014 not just in this match, but throughout the series,\" he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Gill was in a 203-run stand for the sixth wicket with Ravindra Jadeja, who made 89 in the first session, before finding support in Washington Sundar. Aaron lauded India\u2019s disciplined and aggressive batting approach, which has been the case since the morning session.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"We had mentioned the importance of India not losing wickets in the first session. Not only did they manage to avoid losing wickets early on, but they also scored at a brisk rate. Losing just one wicket in the entire session puts them in a commanding position to dictate the course of this Test.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cFrom England\u2019s perspective, there were barely any fielders in catching positions. In Test cricket, a batsman is bound to be more cautious if he sees fielders in close-catching areas. But England didn\u2019t create that pressure.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cTake Bashir, for example \u2014 he came around the wicket, but as an off-spinner, the bare minimum you need is a slip fielder. There wasn\u2019t even that. That basically told Shubman Gill, \u2018Go ahead, reverse sweep or slap it \u2014 there's no risk involved,\u201d he elaborated.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Gill now holds the record for the highest score by an Indian batter in a men's Test match in England. Jonathan Trott, the former England batter, said he was impressed with Gill\u2019s shot selection and composure under a sunny sky at Edgbaston.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWith the kind of talent Shubman possesses, performances like these are bound to come. He hasn\u2019t looked in trouble at any point in his innings. England have tried everything \u2014 drying up runs, short-ball tactics \u2014 but he\u2019s responded to each challenge, scoring freely across the ground.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Gill now holds the record for the highest score by an Indian batter in a men's Test match in England. Jonathan Trott, the former England batter, said he was impressed with Gill\u2019s shot selection and composure under a sunny sky at Edgbaston.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThat said, the game shifted dramatically after India lost a wicket. Suddenly, England had their tails up. Washington Sundar came under pressure, and we saw a momentum swing almost instantly. That\u2019s the beauty of Test cricket \u2014 the ebbs and flows, the constant battle for control \u2014 and why it continues to captivate fans around the world,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>\r\n\r\n