It was, statistically at least, the most secure Test century on record in England.
Rookie India captain Shubman Gill, with all of the noise in the background and on the back of a punch-to-the-stomach defeat last week in Leeds, defied England on day one of the second Test at Edgbaston.
The hosts will have sensed their moment to push further into the ascendency in this series when winning the toss and choosing to ‘have a chase’.
But Gill responded with a controlled 114 not out to better some modern-day greats and help his side close on a respectable 310-5 in Birmingham.
“The way he is batting has been incredible to see,” said team-mate Yashasvi Jaiswal, who shared a stand of 66 with his captain.
“He is very clear in his head what he needs to do.”