Cricket

Shubman Gill's remarkable turnaround in Test cricket during the England series earlier this year can be attributed to his meticulous work on defensive batting, the 24-year-old has revealed.Gill, who has an average of 35.52 after 25 Tests, amassed 452 runs in the home series against England, showcasing a significant improvement in his ability to withstand the rigors of Test cricket."I worked on my defense a little bit more, especially against the spinners," Gill told ESPNCricinfo, as quoted by the ICC. "If you're playing on a turning track, you should be able to defend a lot more, then you play your scoring shots."Gill's focus on defensive batting stemmed from his realization that batting-friendly tracks in white-ball games can erode a player's defensive skills over time. "I feel it [batting-friendly tracks in white-ball games] takes away a little bit of your defensive game over a period of time," he said. "So that was my focus in the England series."Gill's defensive improvements were evident in his crucial hundred in the second Test in Vizag, where he played a patient and composed innings on a challenging pitch. He finished the series with an average of 56.5, a testament to his newfound defensive prowess.Gill's resurgence in Test cricket is a positive sign for India, who will be looking to him to play a key role in their upcoming series against Bangladesh and New Zealand. These series will serve as crucial preparation for the Border Gavaskar Trophy later this year, where India will face their arch-rivals Australia in a four-match Test series.With his improved defensive technique and growing experience, Gill is poised to become a mainstay in India's Test batting lineup for years to come.

In the annals of cricket history, the art of defensive batting has been a cornerstone of the game. While modern-day cricket has embraced a more aggressive approach, the father-son duo of Ian and Thomas Bestwick recently showcased the enduring value of old-school tactics.Playing for Darley Abbey Cricket Club's 4th XI in the Division Nine Derbyshire Cricket League, the Bestwicks embarked on a remarkable display of resilience against Mickleover 3rd XI. Opening the batting, 48-year-old Ian faced a staggering 137 balls without scoring a single run. His son, Thomas, followed suit, facing 71 deliveries and managing just four runs.Their combined effort of 208 balls faced for a mere four runs is a testament to their unwavering determination to save the match. In stark contrast to the high-scoring, boundary-hitting cricket popularized by the likes of Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes, the Bestwicks opted for a more conservative approach.As the innings progressed, the challenge of not scoring a run became a source of amusement for the Bestwicks. "Towards the end, it became a thing where I was determined not to score," Ian admitted.The team's total of 21 runs in 45 overs, with extras being the top run-getter (9), highlights the extreme defensive nature of their batting. Despite their unconventional approach, the Bestwicks managed to secure a draw, much to the delight of their teammates.Ian Bestwick's social media presence exploded after the match, with friend requests pouring in from around the globe. "It's gone round the world," he told BBC Radio Derby. "It has been mentioned in Australia, Pakistan, Qatar."The Bestwicks' performance serves as a reminder that the art of defensive batting remains an integral part of cricket. While modern-day cricketers may prioritize scoring runs, the ability to grind out a draw or protect a lead is still highly valued in the lower divisions of English cricket.