Sun Jul 06 09:52:50 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**Gill’s Century and Brook’s Banter Highlight Day 4 at Edgbaston; India Close to Historic Win**
**Edgbaston, July 5, 2025** – Shubman Gill’s dominant batting display and some lighthearted banter with England’s Harry Brook were the highlights of Day 4 of the second Test at Edgbaston on Saturday. Gill smashed a brilliant 161 off 162 balls, following his first-innings 269, as India piled on the runs.
A viral video captured a humorous exchange between Gill and Brook, where Brook tried to persuade the Indian captain to declare, citing a forecast of rain for half of Sunday. “450 declare. It’s raining tomorrow. Half day, afternoon, it’s raining,” Brook was heard saying. Gill jokingly responded, “Bad luck for us.” Brook even suggested India take the draw.
Despite Brook’s efforts, Gill eventually declared India’s innings at 427/6, setting England a formidable target of 608 runs. England’s response started poorly, with Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj striking early blows, reducing the hosts to 72/3 by stumps. Siraj dismissed Zak Crawley for a duck, caught by substitute Sai Sudharsan, while Akash Deep kept the pressure on.
England now face an uphill battle, needing 556 runs on the final day with only seven wickets in hand. Harry Brook (15*) and Ollie Pope (24*) are the not-out batsmen.
India are on the cusp of a historic victory at Edgbaston, a ground where they have never won a Test match, having lost seven and drawn one of their previous eight encounters. The final day promises to be a thrilling affair as India look to level the five-match series at 1-1.
First Piper 