 "Shubman Gill went on to score a hundred in every innings he has crossed 20-run mark this series but not this time. Reuters")
India lost a key wicket at a crucial time on Day 1 of the fifth Test at The Oval as captain Shubman Gill was run out in a moment of poor judgement and miscommunication. Gill’s dismissal came at a time when the team was steadily rebuilding after two early wickets.
The incident happened in the 28th over when Gill pushed the ball with soft hands towards the off side and suddenly set off for a single. His partner, Sai Sudharsan, had no interest in the run as the ball had gone straight to bowler Gus Atkinson in his follow-through. Atkinson reacted instantly and effected a direct hit.
Gill, who was halfway down the pitch, slipped while turning back and couldn’t make the crease in time. He walked off for 21 off 35 balls.
Experts and fans slam Gill
Fans and commentators alike questioned the decision to run at that moment, especially with India in a decent position at 83/2.
“It was entirely down to Shubman’s miscalculation because it was far too straight. He was playing on the front foot as well and in a defensive position. If he was attempting a shot and the ball had gone past the bowler, then you clearly say the striker has to respond from the non-striker’s point of view. Because the ball was very well in front of the bowler, I don’t think there was any chance for Sai Sudharsan to have backed up and completed the run,” former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar said on JioHotstar.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsMeanwhile, the game has once again been interrupted by rain, as players have returned to the pavilion just half an hour after play resumed post-lunch. Earlier, lunch was taken early due to heavy rainfall in London. England had picked up two wickets in the opening session by dismissing KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
India are 85/3 in 29 overs with Sudharsan batting alongside Karun Nair, who has made a comeback into the playing XI after being dropped from the previous Test.