England legend brutally dismisses chances of 50+ Test average for Shubman Gill after iconic 269

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has made a bold prediction about Indian skipper Shubman Gill following his record-breaking double century during the second Test. Vaughan said that the Indian batter could have a Test average of 45 by the end of the ongoing five-match series in England.

Shubman Gill scored 269 runs in the first innings at Edgbaston, Birmingham, on Thursday, July 3. The right-handed batter converted his overnight score of 114 into his career best as India posted a commanding total of 587. In response, the England team ended the day at 77 runs for the loss of three wickets.

That's Not High Enough for His Quality - Michael Vaughan on Shubman Gill

Michael Vaughan said that Shubman Gill's Test average will get a boost by the end of the series. Speaking to broadcasters, the former England captain said that he had earlier predicted the Indian skipper would average 45 in his Test career, but that milestone might be reached much sooner.

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"At the start of the series, I said that his average of 35 in cricket, that's not high enough for his quality. I said by the end of his career he'll be averaging 45. I think probably by the end of this series he will be averaging 45. He's made a terrific start. He is the captain, second time out and he's now two from two. Magnificent," the former batter said (via India Today).

Shubman Gill Just Had the Mindset to Perform - Michael Vaughan

Vaughan stated that Shubman Gill benefited from winning the toss in the second Test. The former batter pointed out that he himself would have chosen to bowl first as well if given the chance. However, he credited the Indian skipper for making full use of the favorable batting conditions.

"There's not a great deal of spin just yet. I think great players realize it, and his feet have been going great. His technique looks absolutely pure. And he just had the mindset to perform," the 50-year-old said.

Gill started the series in England with an average of 35.05 from 32 matches. However, he scored a century in the first Test, followed by a double century in the second match. The 25-year-old has amassed 2,317 runs in 62 innings at an average of 40.64, including seven centuries and seven fifties.

India Make Early Strikes with the Ball on Day 2 of Second Test in Birmingham

India made an impressive start with the ball on Day 2 of the second Test in Birmingham, reducing England to 77 for 3 at stumps in response to their massive first-innings total of 587.

Akash Deep, who replaced Jasprit Bumrah in the XI, dismissed Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope off back-to-back deliveries in just his second over. Mohammed Siraj then removed Zak Crawley for 19, leaving England struggling at 25 for 3.

However, England managed a slight recovery before the close, with Joe Root (18) and Harry Brook (30) at the crease after 20 overs. It is worth mentioning that England are currently trailing 1-0 in the ongoing series.

Also read: India vs England Weather Report Day 3, Edgbaston Test 2025