The Indian Cricket Team suffered a shocking 28-run loss in the first Test match of the series against underdogs England played at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad on 28th January 2024.
It was a disappointing performance by the Indian team as they lost the match after taking a lead of 190 runs in the first innings. Thanks to a disciplined bowling effort by Ashwin, Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Bumrah, they bowled out visitors for just 246 runs on the first day. Yashavi Jaiswal looked in sublime touch putting pressure on England’s inexperienced bowling. They ended opening day at 119 for 1 with Jaiswal and Gill at the crease.
“I don’t think you can get rid of somebody as quickly as one test match,” Pietersen said. “He will play in Vizag and let’s have a look and see how he prepares for the next Test. Let’s not cast Shubman Gill aside and say he can’t play. He can play. When you talk about feelings, he gives me the feeling of sheer joy and delight when he walks out to bat. I want to watch him bat.”
Indian batters got starts but were not able to convert into big scores. Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Ravindra Jadeja made the batting look easy as they made 436 runs in the first innings. After reducing England, Ollie Pope and Foakes stitched a superb partnership that changed the momentum of the game. Pope played sweeps and reverse sweeps that put the Indian bowlers under pressure. Thanks to contributions by Foakes, Rehan Ahmed, Hartley, and well-made 196, England set a target of 231 runs.
Chasing this modest target on a spinning pitch, Rohit and Jaiswal began well putting on 42 runs for the opening wicket but lost wickets at regular intervals. KS Bharat and Ashwin showed character before Hartley bowled beauty to get rid of Bharat. Mohammed Siraj and Bumrah kept the England bowlers at bay before Siraj was dismissed in the last over of the day. It was a disappointing performance by Indian batters as Rohit Sharma finished as top scorer with 39.
Shubman Gill’s performance in the first Test
Shubman Gill had a disappointing outing in the first test at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad. He struggled during both innings with 23 and dismissed 0 with the Indian team struggling.
After going down to number 3 in Test matches, Shubman Gill has been not able to perform well in the Test series against West Indies and South Africa. India will look to level the series when they face England in the second Test match to be played at Vizag from 2nd February onwards.
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