Shubman Gill provided a perfect answer to his critics as the youngster slammed a brilliant century to solidify India’s position on Day 3 of the second Test against England in Vishakhapatnam on Sunday. It was a controlled innings from Gill who overcame some initial hiccups to score 104 off 147 deliveries. While the knock was a huge confidence booster for the right hander, former England cricket team batter Kevin Pietersen was a bit critical of his technique. Pietersen was all praise for the youngster but also namedropped Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting in his criticism of Gill’s ‘lazy’ technique.

“There is one technical flaw and that is that he is not busy enough before the ball is bowled. And it is an argument I have had with people around, whether you have the trigger or not, whether you get yourself into the game. I believe that in the Test match arena, bowlers are just that little bit quicker and they make you make decisions quicker. The step up is that he does need the trigger. Shubman Gill’s batting is very… I would say almost lazy in the way that he stands at the crease,” Pietersen said on Jio Cinema.

“He waits for the ball to be delivered before he makes any movement. And what I would like for him to see from him is that on the load up, just get a little bit ready. Look at all the great players. Tendulkar didn’t do it that much but he did on occasions. Ricky Ponting, they say, didn’t have a trigger but he did have a front-foot press. Even Lara. They all had a trigger and brought themselves into the game before the release.”

Shubman Gill scored a fine century to help India set a 399-run target for England.

Gill returned to form, scoring a timely 104 off 147 deliveries. All-rounders Axar Patel (45) and Ravichandran Ashwin (29) pitched in with handy knocks before India were bowled out for 255 in their second innings.

Gill and Axar stitched an 89-run partnership before Ashwin hit two fours and a six to help India swell their lead. Left-arm spinner Tom Hartley picked up four wickets for the visitors, who lead the five match series 1-0.

(With PTI Inputs)