IND v ENG: BCCI announces Shubman Gill's absence from field due to injury

In a setback for the Indian cricket team, star batter Shubman Gill will be sitting out day 4 of the ongoing second Test against England due to a finger injury. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) made the announcement, revealing that Gill injured his right index finger while fielding on day two.

"UPDATE: Shubman Gill hurt his right index finger while fielding on Day 2. He won't be taking the field today," BCCI wrote on their  'X' handle.

Filling in for the injured Gill is Mumbai's domestic cricket sensation, Sarfaraz Khan. Gill, who recently silenced critics with a century on the third day of the second Test, breaking free from a 12-inning-long struggle, will be hoping for a speedy recovery. His sublime 104-run knock was a welcome return to form, featuring 11 fours and two sixes.

Currently, England stand at 166 for four in their record chase of 399, with Jonny Bairstow and Zak Crawley at the crease, batting at nine and 62. Ravi Ashwin has secured three crucial wickets for India so far. On the morning of day four, it was Axar Patel who dismissed Rehan Ahmad, adjudged plumb lbw after scoring 23.

England need 399 to win Vizag Test, India need six wickets after Ashwin's twin strikes

The home team gained a substantial lead of 398 runs in their second innings, thanks to contributions from Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Shreyas Iyer and a resilient century from Shubman Gill. Bowlers, especially Tom Hartley and Rehan, played pivotal roles for England. But it was the heroics of Jasprit Bumrah that saw India bundle out England for a mere 253 in their first innings, securing a 143-run lead.

The young Yashasvi Jaiswal's maiden double-century was a highlight of India's first innings, setting the stage for an intriguing battle in the second Test of the series. Later, Ravi Ashwin removed Ollie Pope and Joe Root, both scoring 23 each. Moving forward, it will be interesting to see how England approaches the run chase after losing four key wickets with needing 219 runs more after 38.3 overs of play.