Former Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara showered praise on Shubman Gill’s leadership in the third Test match against England at Lord’s. Ben Stokes decided to bat first after winning the toss, but Gill was able to rotate his bowlers with guile on a pitch, that didn’t have much help for the bowlers.
After Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep went wicketless in their opening spell, Gill gave the ball to Mohammed Siraj and Nitish Kumar Reddy. The Andhra all-rounder was able to strike twice in his maiden over, accounting for both England openers – Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley.
Duckett was dismissed on an innocuous delivery down the leg side whereas Crawley received a jaffa from Reddy. The medium pacer returned with figures of 2-46 in 14 overs he bowled on the opening day.
“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,” Kumar Sangakkara said on Sky Sports.
On the other hand, the former Sri Lankan wicket-keeper said he was impressed with how India’s ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah was able to set up Harry Brook after the tea interval.
“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.
The former flamboyant batter also praised Dhruv Jurel, whom he has observed from close quarters at the Rajasthan Royals. Jurel, who replaced Pant as a substitute wicket-keeper, took a fine catch to dismiss England vice-captain 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.
England ended the opening day at 251-4.
