The first match of the Test series between India and England was played from 20 to 24 June at the Handingley Cricket Ground in Leeds. In this match, the Indian team had to face defeat by 5 wickets. Due to the victory, hosts England are now 1-0 in the five-match series. The second match of the series will be played in Edgbaston from July 2.
Shubman responsible for defeat?
The Indian team had a chance to win in the Leeds Test match, but poor fielding, poor batting of lower order batsmen and weak bowling drowned the team’s loot. After the defeat, the pain of Indian captain Shubman Gill was spilled. Shubman blamed the batsmen for the defeat. Shubman said that he wanted to score close to 430 runs, but this was not possible. Shubman believed that England’s opening partnership snatched the match in the second innings.
Also read: England defeated India by 5 wickets, Docket scored a stormy century, Indian bowling opened
Shubman Gill said after the match, ‘This was a great Test match. We also had opportunities, but we left catch and our lower order batsmen did not contribute much. Still, the team is proud and overall, we made a good effort. Till tomorrow we were thinking that we will reach 430 and declare the innings. Unfortunately, our last 6 wickets were able to add 20-25 runs, which is never a good sign. Despite his magnificent opening partnership, I felt that we still have a chance, but this match did not go in our favor.
In the first innings, the last 7 wickets of the Indian team fell to 41 runs. While in the second innings, his last 6 wickets fell for 31 runs. About this, Shubman Gill said, ‘We had discussed this, but when you are on the field, everything happens very quickly. I think this is one of the things that will have to improve the upcoming matches. Certainly, opportunities are not easily available on such wickets. We left some catches, but our team is young and is still learning. It is expected that in the upcoming matches, we will improve these aspects.
Also read: 8 drop catch, Fuss Lower Order … Team India lost golden chance of victory in Leeds, 5 reasons for defeat
Shubman Gill says, ‘When we bowled in the first session, we were quite accurate. We did not give much runs, but when the ball becomes old, it becomes very difficult to stop the runs and take wickets continuously to stay in the game. Some balls did not go to the fielders from the edge of the bat, things did not happen in our favor. He batted very well, especially when the ball became old, he took a chance. His opening partnership snatched the match from us.
Jadeja’s praise, statement on Bumrah also
Shubman Gill further said, ‘He (Ravindra Jadeja) bowled brilliantly. He also created some opportunities for us, such as some catches (pop-ups) which Rishabh Pant could not take. This happens in a cricket match, you hope that some opportunities will not go in your favor.
On the availability of Jaspreet Bumrah, Shubman Gill said, ‘This match will be decided by watching the match. After this Test match, a good break has been found, so when the next match comes closer, we will see.