NEW DELHI: Star Indian batsman Shubman Gill on Sunday expressed confidence that the home team maintains its status as the favorite to win the second Test, especially after his century set England a challenging target of 399 on Day 3.
Despite England leading the five-match series 1-0, they concluded the day at 67-1, with opener Ben Duckett dismissed for 28 in Visakhapatnam. The left-handed Duckett, along with fellow opener Zak Crawley (29*), formed an aggressive 50-run partnership before Ravichandran Ashwin claimed his wicket, marking his 497th Test scalp.
As stumps approached, night-watchman Rehan Ahmed, at nine runs, joined Crawley with England requiring another 332 for victory. The situation places the hosts in a favorable position, according to Gill, as they aim to level the series in the second Test.
"Definitely pleased but I left a few out there. We could have done with a few more runs," said Gill.
"I think it's 70-30 at the moment. Morning session will be key. We've seen there is moisture in the morning, and help for fast bowlers and spinners."
The highest fourth-innings target successfully chased against India is England's 378 at Edgbaston in 2022, and the most successful in India was when the hosts got 387 against England in 2008.
Spinners Tom Hartley and Ahmed showcased their bowling prowess as they collectively dismissed India for 255, following Gill's impressive century, on a day dominated by exceptional bowling and fielding performances.
Veteran pace bowler James Anderson made early breakthroughs by removing the openers, putting India under pressure. The situation worsened for the home team after a remarkable catch by captain Ben Stokes, which further contributed to India's batting struggles.
However, centurion Gill played a crucial role in stabilising the innings, providing some resistance against the opposition's attack.
Anderson backed England to do the job with their attacking "Bazball" style of play, which was on display when they turned a 190-run deficit in the opener to go one up.
"The chat last night from the coach was that if they get 600, we were going to go for it," said Anderson.
"It makes it very clear to everyone that we will try to do it tomorrow. I know there are 180 overs left in the game, but we will try to do it in 60 or 70."
Gill hit his third Test ton, and first in his 12 innings since March 2023, to pull India out from 122-4 with two key stands including 89 runs with Axar Patel.
He reached the hundred with a single off debutant spinner Shoaib Bashir and raised his bat to a cheering Sunday crowd.
He soon attempted a reverse sweep and departed when Bashir got him caught behind, a dismissal that was turned down by the umpire but replays showed the ball grazed the batsman's glove before wicket-keeper Ben Foakes took a sharp catch.
(With AFP inputs)
