India’s 336-run victory over England in the second Test at Edgbaston made fans celebrate across the world. But even after such a big win, Indian captain Shubman Gill wasn’t fully happy. He raised strong concerns about the pitch and ball conditions, saying they made life too easy for batters and unfair for bowlers.
“When you know that the ball will only help bowlers for the first 20 overs, and then you spend the whole day just stopping runs… it doesn’t feel like real Test cricket.”
Gill pointed out two problems:
- The dukes ball was losing shape too early, becoming soft after just 20 overs.
- The Edgbaston pitch was too flat, offering no help to bowlers.
He said this made it extremely difficult for bowlers to take wickets, especially in long innings.
What Happened in the Match?
India dominated the game from start to finish. Gill scored centuries in both innings (269 and 161), and bowlers like Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj also shone brightly. India defeated England by a huge margin of 336 runs even without star pacer Jasprit Bumrah.
But Gill still called out the conditions, saying that such pitches take away the thrill of Test cricket.
What Gill Said
- “The ball lost shape too early.”
Gill complained that the Dukes ball became soft very fast, leaving bowlers helpless after the first spell. - “Bowlers need some support.”
He added: “If the pitch doesn’t offer anything and the ball goes dead after 20 overs, it feels like we’re just waiting. The real challenge of Test cricket is missing.” - “It’s boring for players and fans.”
Gill stressed that the balance between bat and ball is the beauty of Test cricket, and without that, the game loses its magic. - Gill’s Point is Valid: Test matches need fair conditions for both batters and bowlers. Flat pitches create dull games where only runs pile up.
- Shows Gill’s Leadership: Even after winning, he spoke for the game’s spirit, not just for his team.
- A Warning for Upcoming Matches: India’s next Test is at Lord’s on July 10. Will the pitch there be different? Fans and players are watching closely
What Others Are Saying
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England coach Brendon McCullum admitted the pitch didn’t help their bowlers either and called it one of the “flattest wickets” he has seen.
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Former England captain Michael Vaughan said on TV: “This pitch was a road. Great for batters, horrible for the game.
Final Takeaway:
Shubman Gill’s words may surprise some because India won big. But he raises an important question- “Are we keeping the soul of Test cricket alive?”
As the series moves to Lord’s, fans hope for a fairer pitch where both batters and bowlers can shine.
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