logo
Battle of styles, battle for survival: Shubman Gill and Ben Stokes brace for Manchester showdown

Battle of styles, battle for survival: Shubman Gill and Ben Stokes brace for Manchester showdown

Time of India6 days ago
Shubman Gill, Ben Stokes (Sahil Malhotra/TimesofIndia.com)
TimesofIndia.com in Manchester: Three Tests, six innings, and the series has already seen monumental efforts by both captains. If it was
Shubman Gill
with the bat at Edgbaston, it was
Ben Stokes
with his long spells at Lord's, helping their respective teams to Test wins.
Two individuals in the hot seat have little in common, but they share one common drive — to lead from the front.
One is 34, the other is 25. One has seen a lot as a leader, while the other is taking baby steps into his new role. One is obsessed with a certain way of playing Test
cricket
, while the other is obsessed with batting and is navigating his way through what is his maiden assignment as captain. There's very little in common, but both are chasing an important moment in their respective careers, standing at contrasting junctures, and a Manchester win stands in their way.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel.
SUBSCRIBE NOW!
The series win would give Stokes the assurance that his methods still tick, while victory for India would do a world of good for Gill, who has struggled with player availability and injuries in his first series as a captain. It's all to play for from July 23 at the Old Trafford cricket ground. The series is on the line for the visitors, while the hosts have a bright opportunity to deliver the knockout blow.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Dubai's Next Icon: Experience Binghatti Aquarise Luxury
Binghatti Developers FZE
Learn More
Undo
On the eve of the game, very little cricketing activity was possible due to consistent rain, and the press conferences of the two captains turned out to be the only talking point. Stokes spoke at length about his workload, England's approach, sledging the opponents, and the makeup of their XI. Gill, in a much shorter interaction, was very precise and took a nice parting jibe.
Very like Stokes, but very unlike Gill. That's how the two media sessions unfolded, but a lot of 'unlike Gill' things have happened in the series so far.
The brush with captaincy has certainly flipped the intensity switch in Gill, and he has been far more in-your-face over the last month than he has been in his entire career. The youngster said the challenges of captaincy have been more mental than physical, but he continued to hold his ground on his side's theatrics during those dramatic six minutes at Lord's on Day 3.
Poll
Who do you think will lead their team to victory in the upcoming Test match in Manchester?
Shubman Gill
Ben Stokes
Draw
Too close to call
"The English batsmen on that day had 7 minutes of play left.
They were 90 seconds late to come to the crease. Not 10, not 20 but 90 seconds late. Even if we were in that position, we would have also liked to play fewer overs. But there is a manner to do it. And we felt, yes, if you get hit on your body, the physios are allowed to come on, and that is something that is fair. But to be able to come 90 seconds late to the crease is not something that I would think comes in the spirit of the game," said Gill, while throwing punches at the opposition, which has upped the chatter on sledging and verbal volleys.
Not long before Gill's comments, Stokes mentioned that while they would not initiate any chatter, they would not take a "backward step" when tension rises in the middle.
"It's not something that we're going to purposely go out and look to start again, because then that will take our focus off what we actually need to do out in the middle. But by no means are we going to take a backward step and let any opposition try and be confrontational towards us, and not try to give a bit back.
I think that goes for most teams, to be honest. So it's not like we're the only team who does that," said Stokes.
Shubman Gill explosive press conference: Hits back at England and big revelation on India Playing XI
The series is very well placed at the moment, and while India would be disappointed to see the 1-2 scoreline, it's not a reflection of the kind of cricket they have played so far. The scoreline could well have been 2-1 in their favour, if not 3-0, and Manchester will be a stiff test for the depleted bunch to throw the right punches and keep the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy alive before the caravan moves to London for the final Test.
Gill has had a fantastic run with the bat, looked tactically very sound, and Stokes was back to doing Stokes things with his marathon spells and signs of returning to form with the bat. The two captains will be at it for the next five days, chasing the same goal, one with far bigger implications for their, and their teams', futures.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Washington Sundar turns down Harry Brook's handshake offer, joins Jadeja's century celebrations
Washington Sundar turns down Harry Brook's handshake offer, joins Jadeja's century celebrations

Mint

time12 minutes ago

  • Mint

Washington Sundar turns down Harry Brook's handshake offer, joins Jadeja's century celebrations

Tensions between India and England came to a boil once again on Day 5 of the Manchester Test as England skipper Ben Stokes asked Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar to draw the match in the final hour of play, sensing there was only one result possible from that point. However, Jadeja and Sundar—batting on 89 and 80 respectively—refused to budge, prompting a barrage of comments from the English players about how the two should have maintained their tempo or if they were simply chasing personal milestones against the likes of Harry Brook. The Indian batters, though, were in no mood to let go of the momentum and didn't seem to be paying much heed to the chatter. Jadeja even shifted the responsibility, pointing towards the dressing room and clarifying that it was the call of the captain and coach to continue playing. Soon after, Jadeja brought up his fifth Test century with a big shot off Brook's bowling. As he celebrated, Brook appeared to think the match would now be drawn and extended his hand toward Sundar, suggesting an end. But Sundar paid no attention, instead running across to his partner to celebrate the milestone. A couple of overs later, Sundar too reached his hundred—his maiden Test ton at the international level—and India finally agreed to call it a draw. Jadeja and Sundar walked in after the dismissals of a well-set KL Rahul and Shubman Gill in the first session on Day 5. Jadeja offered a chance to Joe Root at slip off the very first ball he faced, but from there on, the duo looked resolute. They weathered everything England threw at them and ensured only one result was possible. The two left-handers added over 200 runs while batting through two full sessions, tiring out England's bowlers ahead of a quick turnaround before the final Test at The Oval. Their partnership has not only helped India avoid defeat but also kept them alive in the series, with the visitors now trailing 2-1. The young Shubman Gill-led side will have a chance to level the series in the fifth and final Test.

Wasn't about glory, wasn't about stats...: Heroes of 'Manchester Miracle' take to social media as England series stays alive
Wasn't about glory, wasn't about stats...: Heroes of 'Manchester Miracle' take to social media as England series stays alive

Economic Times

time12 minutes ago

  • Economic Times

Wasn't about glory, wasn't about stats...: Heroes of 'Manchester Miracle' take to social media as England series stays alive

Synopsis Team India displayed remarkable resilience, securing a draw against England in the fourth Test at Old Trafford. Centuries from Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar helped India overcome a significant first-innings deficit. Despite England's imposing lead, India's strong batting performance ensured the series remains alive at 1-2, setting the stage for a decisive final Test at The Oval. ANI Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar, Jadeja Following a miraculous draw at Manchester's Old Trafford Stadium during the fourth Test, Team India's heroes of the match took to social media, expressing their emotions following what was one of the hardest-fought Tests for the unit in a long while. To keep the series alive and kicking, India pulled off a miracle at Manchester, with centuries from skipper Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar helping India dig deep and eke out a 114-run win despite trailing by 311 runs after the first innings. India's stubborn resilience and grit rattled the Englishmen and served the visitors a massive psychological advantage ahead of the final Test at The Oval, where they can draw the series. Skipper Gill, who produced one of the finest knocks of his career in the second innings after three successive failures, took to Instagram, posting pictures with the caption, "Clutch." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ꮪhubman Gill (@shubmangill) Opener, KL Rahul, who posted a brilliant 230-ball 90 in the second innings, formed a 188-run partnership for the third wicket after two early wickets, also posted on Instagram saying, "Hard fought 5 days. On to the next one." View this post on Instagram A post shared by KL Rahul👑 (@klrahul) Wicketkeeper-batter and vice-captain Rishabh Pant, who pulled off one of the greatest acts of bravery and resillience by walking out to bat despite an injured foot and made a half-century, posted on Instagram that while the result was not the one "they came for, but not the one they will walk away from.""Wasn't about glory, wasn't about stats. Not the result we came for, but not one we'll walk away from. The fight was real till the very end #RP17," posted Pant on Instagram. — RishabhPant17 (@RishabhPant17) Sundar, who scored his maiden Test and international ton during a double century stand with Jadeja, expressed his gratitude towards god following the knock, posting, "Grateful for the people and forever grateful to you, God." — Sundarwashi5 (@Sundarwashi5) Coming to the match, England opted to field first. Half-centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal (58 in 107 balls, with 10 fours and a six), Sai Sudharsan (61 in 151 balls, with seven fours) and Rishabh Pant (54 in 75 balls, with three fours and two sixes) took India to 358 runs, with Stokes (5/72) troubling the visitors with timely wickets and not letting a massive partnership happen. Jofra Archer also took 3/73. In the second innings, Zak Crawley (84 in 113 balls, with 13 fours and a six) and Ben Duckett (94 in 100 balls, with 13 fours) produced a 166-run stand for the opening wicket, sending India on leather hunt. The presence of Joe Root (150 in 248 balls, with 14 fours) and Stokes (141 in 198 balls, with 12 fours and a six) aggravated Indian bowlers, who saw these two produce milestone after milestone on their way to a 311-run lead. England was skittled out for 669 runs, with Ravindra Jadeja (4/143) being the pick of the bowlers. Jasprit Bumrah (2/112) had an off day at Chris Woakes reduced India to 0/2, KL Rahul (90 in 230 balls, with eight fours) and skipper Shubman Gill (103 in 238 balls, with 12 fours) caused England's faces to tense, batting three sessions for an 188-run stand. After these two were done, the spin all-rounder duo of Jadeja (107* in 185 balls, with 13 fours and a six) and Washington Sundar (101* in 206 balls, with nine fours and a six) rattled and frustrated England with their resolve and wall-like presence, taking India to a 114-run lead, ending at 425/4 in a draw. The series is still alive at 1-2, with the final match at The Oval to start from July 31. (ANI)

Gautam Gambhir Press Conference: India coach slams Stokes's antics, praises Pant's heroics and Gill and Co
Gautam Gambhir Press Conference: India coach slams Stokes's antics, praises Pant's heroics and Gill and Co

First Post

time12 minutes ago

  • First Post

Gautam Gambhir Press Conference: India coach slams Stokes's antics, praises Pant's heroics and Gill and Co

Gautam Gambhir delivered another blockbuster press conference as he called out Ben Stokes for his handshake antics on Day 5 of Manchester Test, besides praising Rishabh Pant and Team India for their fightback. read more Gautam Gambhir in his typical fashion blasted England team and its antics as he praised Rishabh Pant and Team India. Images: PTI/Reuters Indian cricket team coach Gautam Gambhir was in a fiery mood as he hit back at England captain Ben Stokes for his offer of a draw when Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar were nearing their hundreds. Gambhir also praised Rishabh Pant for his heroics during the fourth India-England Test match at Manchester and provided injury updates about the pacers. The five-match Test series between India and England is currently tilted 2-1 in the home team's favour. The last match will be played at The Oval, but England could have sealed the series in Manchester after scoring a mammoth 669 in reply to India's first innings of 358. England had close to two days to bowl out India in the second innings, but a fighting century from skipper Shuman Gill and an unbeaten 203-run partnership between Jadeja and Sundar spoiled England's party. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Gambhir slams Stokes, England for handshake offer Despite India's fightback, Stokes managed to hog the headlines by some late antics on Day 5 as he offered a draw to India. Only 15 overs were left in the day's play, a draw looked imminent, but Jadeja and Sundar were also very close to their respective centuries, batting on scores of 89 and 80, respectively. India refused to take the offer of a handshake as both batters went on to complete their tons. Also Read | Ben Stokes reveals reasoning behind early handshake offer to Jadeja and Sundar England cricketers were upset and were seen moaning, but later in the press conference, Gambhir questioned England's plan to offer a draw after the Indian all-rounders has put in a valiant display and deserved a milestone each. 'If someone is batting on 90 and the other one is batting on 85, don't they deserve a hundred? Would they have walked off? If someone from the England side would have been batting on 90 or 85, if someone had the opportunity to get his first Test hundred, wouldn't you allow him to do it, if they weathered the storm? 'It's up to them. If they want to play that way, that's up to them. I've got nothing more to say,' Gambhir said at the post-match press conference. Gambhir: 'This is best Indian team right now' Gambhir also claimed that he is currently coaching the best possible Indian team, adding that the hard-earned draw at Manchester will only boost the morale of his side. 'You are asking someone who only believes in results,' Gambhir said. 'I've said that in the past as well, that I believe in results. We are still 2-1 down in the series. This is the Indian team. Yes there is inexperience but this is still the best Indian team right now. So for me, I think we are still down 2-1. And hopefully we can try and make it 2-2. That's going to be a good achievement. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'When you are put under pressure, and you end up batting five sessions, I think that's great character. Anything that you do in these conditions, when you are put under pressure and you come out of those pressure moments, it is always a great feeling, and it just ends up giving a lot of confidence in the dressing room as well. 'And I'm sure going into The Oval, we will be high on confidence, but we can't take anything for granted. I think it's going to be a new game, it's going to be against a strong England side, and we absolutely will be up for it.' Watch Gautam Gambhir's press conference: Your browser does not support the video tag. The former India opener Gambhir also heaped high praise on Pant, who batted in the first innings despite a fractured toe and was ready to bat again in the second innings if needed. 'It's been declared that he's out of the series,' Gambhir said. 'But one thing I want to say is that the character and the foundation of this team will be built on something Rishabh did for the team and for the country as well.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'Any amount of praise is not enough for him — especially batting with a broken foot. I think the generations to come will talk about it and the generations coming forward should talk about it.' Also Read | From Eden Gardens 2001 to Old Trafford 1990, revisiting India's greatest rescue acts in Test cricket N Jagadeesan has been named as Pant's replacement after the wicketkeeper-batter was ruled out of the fifth and final Test of the series. The 43-year-old coach also confirmed that all the pacers are fit for the fifth Test, which starts on 31 July, but no decision has been made on the team combination and resting Jasprit Bumrah. 'All the fast bowlers are fit,' Gambhir said. 'There are no injury concerns. We haven't had any conversation around the combination for the last Test. 'No decision has been made on whether Jasprit Bumrah will play or not. Ultimately, whoever plays, they will try and do the job for the country.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store