Sat Sep 07 08:01:03 UTC 2024: ## Gill’s Defensive Stance Key to England Series Success, Says Young Batsman
Shubman Gill, the rising Indian batsman, credits his improved defensive technique as a key factor in his successful performance in the recent Test series against England. The 24-year-old, who has played 25 Tests with an average of 35.52, amassed 452 runs in the series, including a crucial century in Vizag.
“I worked on my defence a little bit more, especially against the spinners,” Gill revealed to ESPNCricinfo. He highlighted the importance of defensive play on turning tracks, stating that “If you’re playing on a turning track, you should be able to defend a lot more, then you play your scoring shots.”
Gill’s focus on defensive play came after he realized that playing on batting-friendly white-ball tracks had somewhat diminished his defensive skills. His strategy paid off, resulting in a series average of 56.5 against England.
Currently, Gill is captaining the India A side in the Duleep Trophy. His performance in the first innings was average, with 25 runs from 43 balls.
Gill’s recent success and his commitment to improving his defensive game bode well for India’s upcoming Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand. These series are crucial for India’s preparation for the highly anticipated Border Gavaskar Trophy against Australia later this year.
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