India have 399 to defend in the final innings of what is turning out to be an enthralling second Test against England, but star batter Shubman Gill did not entirely rule out the possibility of the visitors scripting a successful chase on Monday, February 5.

Shubman Gill said that India are favourites to go to win the Test match by a margin of 70 to 30, backing the highly-skilled Indian bowling attack to get the job done on Monday. IND vs ENG, 2nd Test: Scorecard

England ended Day 3 at 67 for 1 and need 332 more runs to go 2-0 up in the series. England meant business in the final hour on Day 3 as openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett went after the Indian attack before wily R Ashwin removed the left-hander. Nightwatchman Rehan Ahmed and Crawley will resume England’s pursuit of the record-breaking total on the penultimate day, which could end up being the last day.

“Not an easy wicket to bat on, you have to apply yourself. The ball is turning, hopefully we can get the ball in the right areas tomorrow. It’s about 70-30 at the moment, the morning session is a big one. We’ve seen some movement for the fast bowlers, I think if we get the ball in the right areas we’ll be okay,” Shubman Gill said after Sunday’s play in Vizag. IND vs ENG DAY 3: REPORT

BAZBALL MIRACLE ON MONDAY?

India have every reason to believe they are in the driver’s seat as no team has successfully chased more than 387 in India. England’s highest fourth innings total in a Test match is 241 for 5 and it came 60 years ago.

However, India wouldn’t have forgotten the rescheduled 5th Test match in Edgbaston in 2022 that saw England chasing down a target of 378 runs in the 4th innings with ease. However, the conditions might have changed, but England’s positive approach to go for a result without the fear of failure hasn’t. England are high on confidence as they overturned a 190-run first innings deficit in Hyderabad to stun India last week.

India managed to set a daunting target of 399 runs, riding on Gill’s 3rd and rather much-needed century knock during their 2nd innings. After India’s opener fell early, Gill got off to a fidgety start as in his first 13 balls, he survived 2 big lbw shouts and had a few early reprieves.

Once he was settled, Gill accelerated to his Test century and was supported well by Axar Patel. Soon, India’s lower order folded quite quickly with the last 5 wickets falling for just 44 runs.