Team India gears up for Day 2 at Edgbaston with the match evenly poised after Day 1. India concluded Day 1 at 310/5, aided by an unbeaten century from captain Shubman Gill and a steady innings of 41 not out from Ravindra Jadeja.
Having lost five wickets in the initial two sessions, India found themselves in a spot of bother while England sensed an opening. However, the resilient partnership between Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja provided stability when India required, helping the visitors in bouncing back from initial setbacks.
The Gill-Jadeja unbroken partnership shifted the momentum somewhat in India’s favor and an intriguing Day 2 awaits us in Birmingham.
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Team India needs atleast 450
After concluding Day 1 at a robust 310/5 after being invited to bat, India must look to get a score in excess of 450 to seize an advantage in a match that may shape the course of the five-Test series.
Gill exhibited excellent composure during his innings on Day 1 and provided England with no opportunity while he was at the crease. His presence aided Ravindra Jadeja in regaining his form, and now he carries the duty to transform the start into a substantial score.
With Washington Sundar slated to bat next, India will feel somewhat more at ease than in Leeds, as the team management holds the left-hander’s batting in high regard.
Ex-England captain Michael Vaughan believes that scoring 450 runs in the first innings will set India on the path to victory in the second Test against England at Edgbaston.
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Lower Order needs to step up
India lamented two significant batting collapses — losing 7 for 41 in the first innings and 6 for 31 in the second — which turned out to be detrimental. Although England achieved what appeared to be a tough chase of 371 runs, they chased it down comfortably, securing a five-wicket victory to gain a 1-0 advantage in the five-match series.
Team India cannot afford another batting collapse from here on. They need to refrain from making the same mistake again, and the tail must show some resistance today to gain some buffer.
Contrary to the first Test match where India had a slightly long tail, the incoming batters have the potential to bat. After Jadeja, India have Washington Sundar who looks a proper batter and has played crucial knocks in the past.
Even, Akash Deep coming in at 9, has the ability to use the long handle to good effect. If the tail can wag for a little long, India has every chance to finish with a competetive total.
