England assistant coach Jeetan Patel admitted the mental and physical toll of a long day in the field while praising Shubman Gill’s brilliance after stumps on Day 2 of the second Test at Edgbaston. “Shubman Gill put on a masterclass,” said Patel, acknowledging the Indian captain’s majestic 269 that propelled India to a commanding total of 587. England’s bowlers were forced to toil for 150 overs in the first innings, with little assistance from the surface throughout the day. “150 overs out there for us… the new ball is doing a bit,” he said, pointing to the late swing and seam movement India’s pacers exploited with the second new ball under lights. It allowed the visitors to strike early, reducing England to 77 for 3 by stumps.
Describing the current mood in the England camp, Patel said, “Tight minds and tight bodies at the moment. It’s physical as well as mental.” With England trailing by over 500 runs and the Test slipping away, he emphasised the need for recovery, adding, “Rest will be beneficial going forward.”
Poll
Will England’s bowlers bounce back on Day 3?
While England struggled to get much out of the Edgbaston surface, Patel conceded that India’s bowlers made better use of the conditions. “India used the new ball really well,” he remarked. Looking ahead to Day 3, Patel suggested that batting might get a bit easier as the ball gets older. “Another day tomorrow and older ball has been softer and hasn’t done much,” he added, hopeful for a stronger showing from England’s batters.
