As India tightened its grip on the second Test against England at Edgbaston, fans and pundits were left puzzled by the delayed declaration in the second innings. With a mammoth lead and Shubman Gill in sublime form, many expected an earlier call to bowl at England. Now, Team India has addressed the decision, revealing the strategic thinking behind the move.
What Prompted the Delay
- India declared their second innings at 427 for 6, setting England a daunting target of 608 runs
- Shubman Gill, who scored a commanding 161 off 162 balls, was central to the innings and the timing of the declaration
- Bowling coach Morne Morkel clarified that the team wanted to give their bowlers more than an hour under overcast skies late on Day 4, which they considered a bonus
- The decision was not driven by fear of England’s Bazball approach, but by a desire to maximize bowling conditions and secure early breakthroughs
Strategic Thinking Behind the Move
- India’s lead had already crossed 590 when Gill was dismissed, yet the team continued to bat with lower-order players
- Morkel emphasized that the pitch was still good for batting, and the team wanted to ensure a cushion that would allow aggressive field placements
- The declaration came just after the final drinks break, giving India 20-plus overs to bowl at England before stumps
- The move paid off as India reduced England to 72 for 3 by the end of Day 4, with Siraj and Akash Deep striking early
Gill’s Record-Breaking Performance
- Gill became only the second Indian after Sunil Gavaskar to score a double century and a century in the same Test
- His aggregate of 430 runs in the match is the second-highest in Test history, behind Graham Gooch’s 456
- His innings included 13 boundaries and 8 sixes, showcasing a blend of elegance and aggression
- Despite chants of boring from the Edgbaston crowd, Gill’s innings was a masterclass in tempo control and match awareness
Reactions and Criticism
- Some former players, including Cheteshwar Pujara, felt the declaration could have come 30 minutes earlier
- English fans voiced their frustration with chants and boos, especially after Gill’s dismissal did not immediately trigger the declaration
- However, the Indian camp remained unfazed, pointing to the scoreboard and the wickets column as justification
Looking Ahead
- With rain forecast on Day 5, India’s decision to bowl under gloomy skies late on Day 4 may prove decisive
- England still need 536 runs with seven wickets in hand, a task that would require a record-breaking chase
- India, chasing their first-ever win at Edgbaston, are poised to level the series if their bowlers can finish the job
Sources: India Today, News18, Times of India, OdishaTV, MSN India, Hindustan Times
