Former England captain Nasser Hussain was all praises for India openers Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma, who gave India a solid start on day two of the ICC World Test Championship Final (WTC 2021 Final), on June 19, 2021.
India was put in to bat after Kane Williamson won the toss. New Zealand went in with four pacers plus Colin de Grandhomme, while India stuck with the same XI that was announced 2 days ago.
It was expected that the Indian openers might struggle against the likes of Tim Southee, Trent Boult, and Kyle Jamieson. But Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill held their own to give India a good start and added 62 runs for the first wicket.
Unfortunately, both got out before lunch as Rohit fell to Jamieson in slips for 34, while Gill was caught behind by Watling off Wagner for 28.
Former England skipper Nasser Hussain was impressed by the display from Rohit and Shubman as he said that he ‘can't remember India have had openers that have played the short balls better than these two.’
"I was just about to tweet that the Indian openers are giving a masterclass on how to bat in England conditions but they both got out. They played beautifully. Can't remember India have had openers that have played the short balls better than these two. So they can’t be bullied by the short-ball and are technically very sound. With the England tour coming up after this, it was an important innings by Shubman Gill," Hussain said during the post-lunch show on Star Sports.
The former England skipper was in awe of Shubman Gill, who is on his maiden tour of England with the senior India team.
“Balance and calm. You think he has been batting in England all his life. Openers gave a masterclass, they have obviously spoken to Virat as he made those changes in his two previous tours. India obviously has had a chat about getting to the ball before it swings,” he concluded.
Day 2 of the WTC 2021 final has been marred by poor light and rain and the trend continues.
