India captain Shubman Gill gave his teammates and fans a real scare during the morning session on Day 3 of the Headingley Test when a sharp edge from Harry Brook struck him flush on his head at first slip. The ball ricocheted off his head after a failed attempt at a catch and left him in visible discomfort.
The incident unfolded in the 37th over of England’s first innings. Brook, looking to drive a fuller delivery from Ravindra Jadeja, edged the ball hard and fast toward Gill, who barely had time to react. The ball slipped through his hands and struck him on his head.
The Indian team’s physio rushed out for a concussion test. Thankfully, after a few minutes of assessment and some treatment, Shubman Gill was deemed fit to continue.
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Scary Moment for Shubman Gill as Indian Skipper Escapes Injury After Fielding Mishap
Gill was stationed at first slip as India searched for a breakthrough with Brook looking settled. Jadeja floated up a delivery and Brook played a drive. The thick outside edge resulted in a slip chance, but one that demanded lightning-quick reflexes.
Gill, always sharp in the cordon, flung his hands towards the ball but misjudged its speed and angle. It thudded into his head.
India’s support staff wasted no time. The physio checked for signs of concussion and any visible injury.
Though the ball had made solid contact with his head, the blow was not serious. The 25-year-old was alert, communicated clearly with the medical staff and remained on the field as play resumed soon after.
Jamie Smith, Harry Brook's Counterattack Help England Recover After Collapse
Mohammed Siraj made an immediate impact on Day 3, removing both Joe Root and Ben Stokes in a fiery spell during the morning session. With England reeling at 84/5, India looked well in control.
But Harry Brook and Jamie Smith turned the tide with a positive approach. The pair added 200 runs together and are still going strong. Smith, in particular, was the aggressor, reaching his hundred off just 80 deliveries, the fastest Test century by an England batter against India. Soon after, Brook also brought up his hundred.
At the time of writing, the score reads 284/5 with Brook and Smith batting on 102 and 126 runs respectively. England currently trail by 303 runs.
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