Former Sri Lankan captain and legendary batter Kumar Sangakkara was full of admiration for Shubman Gill’s leadership during the third Test between India and England. On Day 1 at Lord’s, after England chose to bat first, Gill showed smart captaincy by managing his bowlers effectively despite challenging conditions.
One of his standout decisions was introducing Nitish Kumar Reddy early into the attack, a move that paid off. Sangakkara applauded Shubman Gill for his fearless and bold decision-making on the field.
“I thought Gill captained really well, especially with Reddy coming in so early. As a young captain he would be tempted to stay with his main bowlers. But he took a courageous decision. It was a bit of a risk but it rewarded him with two wickets. I like that risk-taking ability of a young captain and Shubman Gill is learning fast,” he said on Sky Sports. (9:44)
In the 14th over on Day 1, Nitish Kumar Reddy dismissed both Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, giving India key breakthroughs. Sangakkara also praised Jasprit Bumrah for smartly setting up Harry Brook, noting the pacer was rested in the second Test to manage his workload.
“What I really loved the whole day was the setup of Brook by Bumrah. I thought that was exceptional bowling. Great control of line and length. Control of line and length from Bumrah those two overs was exceptional.”
”He went full, slightly shorter, a bouncer in between, then the control on the seam. Cross seam the before before he got Brook and then the perfect seam angling in back to castle him,” he explained. (7:18)
Dhruv Jurel Earns High Praise from Kumar Sangakkara After Day 1 Heroics
Kumar Sangakkara, a former wicketkeeper himself, praised Dhruv Jurel for his impressive work behind the stumps. Jurel replaced Rishabh Pant on Day 1 of the third Test after Pant left the field with a finger injury. The Rajasthan Royals’ keeper-batter made an immediate impact, taking a brilliant catch off Ravindra Jadeja’s bowling to dismiss Ollie Pope.
“I thought it was an exceptional catch. Jurel was in great position. Great opening of the hip. It bounced, his hands were in good position, head was close to the gloves and it goes to show how good a keeper he is. Even in his first series in India he was exceptional.”
“Under the new rules you can take advantage and it was good for Pant and India. I thought Jurel being ready, staying focused, coming in, it’s not easy in England either. It will give him confidence,” he explained. (10:25)
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