Trisha Ghosal in Birmingham
With India trailing 0-1 in the five-match Test series, skipper Shubman Gill addressed the media on the eve of the second Test. A mix of optimism and realism marked his words — especially on selection strategy, missed chances, and Jasprit Bumrah’s workload.
Is Jasprit Bumrah Available for the Second Test?
“Yes, Bumrah is available,” Gill confirmed straightaway. However, he followed it up with a telling statement: “We knew prior to the series that we would get Jasprit for three games. We have to look into this workload management,” Gill said, adding that the final XI would be decided after the team’s net session.
Could India Play Two Spinners?
Traditionally, England isn’t two-spinner territory. But Gill was clear: “Given the conditions in Leeds, we thought having an extra spinner would have been good. If the conditions are the same again, having a second spinner would be helpful.” It’s an unusual move in England, but one India may persist with based on pitch behaviour.
India’s Catching Woes — What’s Going Wrong in the Slips?
Dropped catches hurt India in the first Test, especially with the Dukes ball swinging late. Gill admitted the problem, but was quick to point out the nuances: “Sometimes sighting the ball becomes a bit difficult… there’s always swing. But we prepare well. Hopefully it won’t happen again.”
Lower-Order Runs — A Growing Gap Between England and India?
Gill didn’t dodge the issue of England’s tail outperforming India’s. “It’s something we talk about often,” he said, but also added personal accountability: “If I had scored 50 more runs, it would’ve helped the team. So there’s perspective.”
The Dukes Ball Factor
“The Dukes ball becomes easier to score against as it gets older,” Gill observed. But India’s inability to take all 20 wickets and their dropped catches remain sore points. Still, Gill saw “multiple positives” from the last game.
With one Test lost and another looming, Gill’s words revealed a team aware of its flaws — but not ready to panic.
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