A captain's knock: Shubman Gill and the fire that burns deep within

Gill's knock on Day 2 at Edgbaston will ensure his away record won't be questioned for long

- Ashish Magotra

It was just over six months ago that Shubman Gill paid the price for not making the most of his starts in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

He was dropped from the 11 for the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and the head-down trudge off the ground even before the warm-ups ended on Day 1 had spoken of a fire that burned deep within.

There was disappointment. It hurt. This wasn't something he wanted to understand. But when asked about it, all he had done was smile. Now, playing at a venue where India have never won, Gill did more than just grab his chance. His 269 (387 balls, 30x4, 3x6) was the cornerstone around which India’s massive total of 587 runs was built.

It is the highest score by an Indian in England, surpassing Sunil Gavaskar's majestic 221 at the Oval in 1979. It is also the highest score by an Indian captain in Tests, surpassing Virat Kohli’s 254* against South Africa in 2019.

In reply, England reached 77/3 at close of play. The hosts still trail by 510 runs.