IND vs ENG 3rd Test: India’s young captain Shubman Gill has expressed strong concerns over the nature of pitches in the ongoing Test series against England. Despite leading his team to a memorable win in the second Test, Gill didn’t hold back in criticizing the flat surfaces that offer no assistance to bowlers.
Shubman Gill Speaks Out After Victory
After clinching a hard-fought win in the second Test against England, Indian captain Shubman Gill made headlines — not just for his leadership, but for calling out the dead nature of the pitch.
In a post-match interaction, Gill said,
“There was absolutely nothing on the pitch for the bowlers. It’s very tough to pick wickets in such conditions.”
The young skipper, who has already scored nearly 600 runs in four innings this series, didn’t mince his words while speaking about the unfair balance between bat and ball.
“Duke Ball Loses Shape Too Early” – Gill Points Out Major Issue
While discussing the difficulty for bowlers, Gill also criticized the Duke ball, which is traditionally used in English conditions.
“More than the pitch, I think the ball is a problem. It goes soft too quickly, maybe after 30 overs. Once that happens, it becomes difficult to keep attacking. You just end up thinking about stopping the runs instead of taking wickets,” he explained.
He added that the softness of the Duke ball forces teams into defensive mode, which “takes the fun out of the game.”
“We Need Sporting Wickets” – Gill’s Message to Curators
Shubman Gill sent a clear message to pitch curators and cricket boards, emphasizing the importance of sporting wickets that allow both batters and bowlers to shine.
“There should be something for the bowlers too. If the ball moves a little, at least you can plan something. Only then does Test cricket become truly competitive,” he remarked.
Despite enjoying a purple patch with the bat, Gill believes that completely batting-friendly tracks ruin the essence of Test cricket.
What to Expect in the IND vs ENG 3rd Test at Lord’s?
With the third Test scheduled to begin on July 10 at Lord’s, Gill hinted that he doesn’t expect another flat deck like Leeds or Edgbaston.
“We’ll see what kind of pitch Lord’s offers. I don’t think it will be as flat. Once we get there, we’ll assess the conditions and pick the best possible combination.”
Gill’s comments suggest that the team is already gearing up for a more balanced pitch at the iconic venue, where both teams will look to take a decisive lead in the series.
Bumrah Set to Return for Lord’s Test
In a much-awaited update, Shubman Gill confirmed that Jasprit Bumrah will return for the Lord’s Test, after being rested for workload management during the Edgbaston Test.
This will provide a significant boost to India’s bowling attack, which has struggled to extract anything from the docile surfaces so far.
“Bumrah will be back at Lord’s. We managed his workload in the second game, and he’ll be fresh for the third Test,” said Gill.
Why Gill’s Pitch Statement Matters
Shubman Gill’s comments have sparked a broader conversation about Test cricket’s future. With increasingly flat pitches around the world, the balance between bat and ball has come under scrutiny.
His straightforward criticism — especially after a win — shows maturity and leadership, underlining that he’s not just focused on short-term success, but on the long-term health of the format.
Also Known:
1. Watch: Shubman Gill Yells ‘Dekh Kya Raha Hai?’ at Akash Deep During Historic 269-Run Knock!
Will ICC Step In IND vs ENG 3rd Test
As Test cricket continues to evolve, player voices like Gill’s are crucial. Whether the ICC or national boards act on these concerns remains to be seen, but one thing is certain — Test cricket cannot thrive on flat pitches alone.
Fans, players, and experts alike hope that the Lord’s Test brings a more lively contest, offering something for bowlers and reviving the true spirit of the longest format.