Gill searches for lost fluency

The opener’s innings against Pakistan illustrated a recent lack of rhythm, especially on pitches with variable bounce

- Vivek Krishnan

NEW DELHI: Shubman Gill took ten balls to get off the mark, and 19 to hit his only boundary against Pakistan in Pallekele on Saturday. When he insideedged his 32nd delivery a fullish ball by Haris Rauf onto the stumps after making 10 runs at a strike rate of 31.25, the slowest of his 28 ODI innings was brought to a frustrating end.

During his stay at the crease, there were multiple plays and misses, a few leaves and the odd leading edge. To be fair, this was the 23-year-old's first experience of playing against Pakistan at senior level, squaring up against the potent pace pack of Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and Rauf and having to fight for every run.

On the one occasion Rauf sprayed a delivery on his pads, Gill tucked it away for four through fine leg.

But such offerings didn't come often; what instead did were deliveries that swung extravagantly and seamed. He was put through a proper examination, especially in the ninth over by Afridi, the left-arm pacer getting his lengths spot on and keeping Gill guessing with which way the ball would jag.

Bowlers hold sway