ENG vs IND 2025: 'Shubman Gill is learning fast' - Legendary Kumar Sangakkara praises Indian star's captaincy acumen
"What I really loved the whole day was the setup of Brook by Bumrah. I thought that was exceptional bowling," Kumar Sangakkara said.
Kumar Sangakkara praised India's newly-appointed Test captain Shubman Gill for some of his decisions he took during Day 1 of the Lord's Test against England on Thursday, July 10.
The former Sri Lankan skipper said that it was a courageous move from Shubman to bring Nitish Kumar Reddy into the bowling attack in the 14th over instead of persisting with his frontline seamers. This decision paid dividends instantly as Reddy sent the England openers packing in his first over.
"I thought Gill captained really well, especially with Reddy coming in so early. As a young captain he would be tempted to stay with his main bowlers. But he took a courageous decision. It was a bit of a risk but it rewarded him with two wickets. I like that risk-taking ability of a young captain and Shubman Gill is learning fast," he said on Sky Sports.
Sangakkara was also impressed by how Jasprit Bumrah set up the in-form Harry Brook and dismissed for 11 runs in the final session on Day 1 at the Home of Cricket.
"What I really loved the whole day was the setup of Brook by Bumrah. I thought that was exceptional bowling. Great control of line and length. Control of line and length from Bumrah those two overs was exceptional. He went full, slightly shorter, a bouncer in between, then the control on the seam. Cross seam the before before he got Brook and then the perfect seam angling in back to castle him," he explained.
Vaughan takes U-turn after questioning Gill's strategy
Kumar Sangakkara applauds Dhruv Jurel's wicketkeeping performance
Dhruv Jurel donned the wicketkeeping gloves after Rishabh Pant injured his hand while trying to collect a delivery down the leg-side. The youngster took a brilliant catch to dismiss Ollie Pope in the third session. Sangakkara commended Jurel's skills behind the stumps, throwing light on his technique.
"I thought it was an exceptional catch. Jurel was in great position. Great opening of the hip. It bounced, his hands were in good position, head was close to the gloves and it goes to show how good a keeper he is. Even in his first series in India he was exceptional. Under the new rules you can take advantage and it was good for Pant and India. I thought Jurel being ready, staying focused, coming in, it's not easy in England either. It will give him confidence," he explained.
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