Partnered by a belligerent Yashasvi Jaiswal (87), Gill weathered England’s early pressure and late breakthroughs, guiding the innings through a tricky final session.
India slipped from a solid 182/2 to 211/5 as Rishabh Pant and debutant Nitish Reddy fell in quick succession. But Gill, supported by the resilient Ravindra Jadeja (41*), helped India recover with an unbeaten 99-run stand.
England bowlers Chris Woakes (2-59) and Brydon Carse (1-49) were disciplined early on, but Josh Tongue’s erratic spell allowed India some breathing space.
Gill’s watchful 199-ball century included 11 boundaries and was praised by Jaiswal and the broader cricket fraternity for its composure and leadership.
Notably, India made three changes, resting pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. With a lighter bowling attack and Edgbaston favouring batting, India may need to cross 500 to stay ahead. The onus now rests on Gill and Jadeja to stretch the total and protect the inexperienced bowling unit on Day 2.
