India’s Shubman Gill celebrates his century on the third day of the first Test. (PTI Photo)
CHENNAI: Moments after completing a stroke-filled century against Bangladesh on the third day of the first Test here, the flamboyant Shubman Gill, in his trademark fashion, bowed to the crowd in celebration. While Gill was accorded a standing ovation, even by the players and coaches, he fully deserved an imitation of his celebratory act from the fans, who got their money’s worth.
The No.3 batter moved his feet like a nimble-footed ballet dancer, especially against spinners Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shakib Al Hasan, both of whom were treated with disdain.During the course of his unbeaten 119, Gill landed many punches on Miraz, launching the offspinner for four sixes over deep midwicket. His well-compiled knock was a fruit of the work he put in ahead of the twomatch Bangladesh assignment.
“Scoring runs against any opposition gives you a lot of confidence. Playing against spin is what I have been working on. It (the innings) gives me a lot of satisfaction,” said Gill, who scored 80 of his 119 against the visiting slow bowlers.”I trained before this series and had some plans. I think that I executed them well. It is not only about having a good defence; I must also not miss out on the opportunities that I get as a batter to score runs,” added the 25-year-old. Gill proved to be a constant menace for the opposition attack, regularly dancing down the wicket and using his feet against the spinners.
“It is something that I trained at when I was young. I have always been a tall guy, so it is easier for me to use my feet and play along the ground. Playing the ball in the air and hitting sixes came later, when I got more power (strength) in my body. It is hard for bowlers to settle on a pitch like this, where the odd one is turning but not all balls are turning.”
Gill was extra keen to make it count after falling for a duck in the first essay: “It (the duck) further motivated me to spend more time in the middle.”
The No.3 batter moved his feet like a nimble-footed ballet dancer, especially against spinners Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shakib Al Hasan, both of whom were treated with disdain.During the course of his unbeaten 119, Gill landed many punches on Miraz, launching the offspinner for four sixes over deep midwicket. His well-compiled knock was a fruit of the work he put in ahead of the twomatch Bangladesh assignment.
“Scoring runs against any opposition gives you a lot of confidence. Playing against spin is what I have been working on. It (the innings) gives me a lot of satisfaction,” said Gill, who scored 80 of his 119 against the visiting slow bowlers.”I trained before this series and had some plans. I think that I executed them well. It is not only about having a good defence; I must also not miss out on the opportunities that I get as a batter to score runs,” added the 25-year-old. Gill proved to be a constant menace for the opposition attack, regularly dancing down the wicket and using his feet against the spinners.
“It is something that I trained at when I was young. I have always been a tall guy, so it is easier for me to use my feet and play along the ground. Playing the ball in the air and hitting sixes came later, when I got more power (strength) in my body. It is hard for bowlers to settle on a pitch like this, where the odd one is turning but not all balls are turning.”
Gill was extra keen to make it count after falling for a duck in the first essay: “It (the duck) further motivated me to spend more time in the middle.”
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