Edgbaston, Birmingham:
In a commanding all-round performance, India defeated England by 336 runs in the second Test at Edgbaston, securing their first-ever Test victory at the venue and leveling the five-match series 1-1. It was a result that not only rewrote the history books but also breathed fresh life into India’s campaign on English soil.
SERIES LEVELLED! INDIA WIN A TEST AT EDGBASTON FOR THE FIRST TIME IN NINE ATTEMPTS! 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/Gnt8YF2rrB
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) July 6, 2025
Gill’s Batting Masterclass Steers India
Captain Shubman Gill led from the front with an extraordinary display of batting. The 25-year-old opener scored 269 in the first innings and followed it up with 161 in the second, amassing a staggering 430 runs in the match the most ever by a captain in Test history.
Gill became the first Indian captain to score two centuries in a Test in England and the only player in Test history to register both a 250+ and a 150+ score in the same match.
“This was a statement win. We had a plan, and I’m proud of how the team responded after the Headingley loss,” Gill said in the post-match presentation.
Akash Deep’s 10-Wicket Burst Shocks England
With Jasprit Bumrah rested, all eyes were on India’s young pace attack—and Akash Deep rose to the occasion with a 10-wicket match haul. The right-arm fast bowler picked up 4 wickets in the first innings and delivered a sensational 6/99 in the second innings to crush England’s batting hopes.
His fiery spell dismantled England’s middle-order and earned him the Player of the Match award.
Comprehensive Team Effort
India declared their second innings on 427/6, setting England a monumental target of 608. Despite a brief fightback from Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope, England was bowled out for 271 in their second innings.
Mohammed Siraj, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav backed up Akash Deep effectively, ensuring England never recovered after the early blows.
The win was India’s biggest Test victory in England by runs and their most dominant Test win away from home in recent years.
England’s Struggles Continue
England, led by Ben Stokes, looked out of rhythm throughout the Test. Poor shot selection, lack of penetration with the ball, and an inability to contain Gill’s dominance cost them dearly.
This loss also marked England’s heaviest Test defeat at Edgbaston, a venue that had long been a fortress for the home side.
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Eyes Set on Lord’s, Can India Conquer the ‘Home of Cricket’?
With the series now level at 1-1, India head to Lord’s for the third Test starting July 10, brimming with confidence. But winning at the “Home of Cricket” requires both skill and strategy.
Here’s how India can tilt the balance at Lord’s:
Bring Back Bumrah:
India may consider bringing back Jasprit Bumrah to lead the attack. His accuracy and reverse swing in Lord’s conditions could be crucial, especially with overcast weather likely.
Maintain Top-Order Solidity:
Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill must provide another solid platform. Gill’s form will be key, but Jaiswal who has looked promising needs to convert starts into big scores.
Spin Advantage with Jadeja and Kuldeep:
While Lord’s generally assists seamers, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav could trouble England’s right-heavy middle order, especially if the surface wears.
Consistent Fielding and Catching:
India’s slip cordon will need to remain sharp. Missed chances in English conditions often prove costly.
Continue the Aggressive Mindset:
The dominant and attacking brand of cricket that India played at Edgbaston must continue. Waiting for England to make mistakes won’t work India must take the game to them.
If India execute this game plan effectively, a win at Lord’s could put them 2-1 up, and within touching distance of a historic series win in England, their first since 2007.
