India’s Test skipper Shubman Gill has hinted at a possible shift in strategy ahead of the second Test against England in Birmingham, supporting the idea of fielding two spinners — an uncommon move in English conditions, but one he believes could pay off given the unusually dry summer.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Gill pointed out that Edgbaston’s typically seam-friendly reputation may not hold this time around due to the hot and dry weather sweeping across the UK.
“In England, generally teams don’t play with two spinners, but the weather isn’t typical and there is very less rain, a lot of heat,” Gill said. “So playing an extra spinner won’t be a bad option.”
India were in control for the majority of the first Test in Leeds but failed to close out the game, with Ben Duckett’s counter-attacking 149 leading England to a five-wicket win on the final day. Reflecting on that match, Gill believes that including another spinner might have changed the outcome.
“Even in the previous game, I felt having another spinner could’ve made the difference since Jaddu bhai (Ravindra Jadeja) was successful in asking questions to the batters and containing runs as well.”
Gill explained that on flat tracks where the ball stops swinging after the initial overs, spin can be crucial-not necessarily to take wickets but to control the game and create pressure leading into the second new ball.
