India bounced back emphatically to defeat England by 336 runs in the second Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham. After losing the first Test, India dominated this match across all five days, thanks to Shubman Gill’s double hundred, Akash Deep’s career-best bowling figures, and an overall clinical team performance. With the series now level at 1-1, attention turns to Lord’s for the third Test.
Here are the five key highlights from the Edgbaston Test:
1. Shubman Gill’s Record-Breaking Batting Effort
India’s stand-in captain, Shubman Gill, produced one of the finest overseas innings by an Indian in recent times. After being sent into bat by England, Gill capitalized on a flat pitch to score a monumental 269 in the first innings, his maiden Test double ton.
It was the highest individual Test score by an Indian in England, surpassing Sunil Gavaskar’s 221 at The Oval in 1979. Gill followed it up with another century in the second innings, scoring 161 not out, becoming the first Indian captain to score two centuries in a Test match in England. His calm approach and shot selection throughout both innings were instrumental in building India’s imposing totals.
2. India Post 1000+ Runs Across Two Innings
India batted just twice in the match and racked up over 1000 runs combined — 587 in the first innings and 427/6 declared in the second. The batting unit looked much improved from the previous Test, with key contributions from Ravindra Jadeja (89), Washington Sundar (42), and Rishabh Pant (50) supporting Gill’s twin centuries. This effort gave India a mammoth 608-run target to defend, the second-highest fourth innings target ever set in Test history. England never looked like chasing it down.
3. Akash Deep’s Match-Winning Ten-Wicket Haul
With Jasprit Bumrah rested, Akash Deep stepped up with a performance to remember, claiming ten wickets in the match (4/88 & 6/99). His ability to extract seam movement, maintain consistent lengths, and dismiss top-order batters like Ben Duckett, Joe Root, and Harry Brook made a huge difference.
He became only the third Indian pacer to take a 10-wicket match haul in England, joining the elite company of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah. On the final day, his spell broke England’s resistance as India wrapped up the win comfortably before tea.
4. Mohammed Siraj Strikes in First Innings
While Akash Deep starred in the second innings, it was Mohammed Siraj who opened the floodgates in England’s first innings. He returned with six wickets, helping dismiss England for 407 despite a couple of solid efforts from Jamie Smith and Harry Brook. Siraj’s bounce and aggression unsettled the middle and lower order, ensuring India secured a significant 180-run first-innings lead, which proved crucial in shaping the remainder of the match.
5. England’s Tactical Blunders and Batting Collapse
England’s decision to bowl first backfired, as their bowlers failed to extract much from the pitch on Day 1 and Day 2. Despite early breakthroughs, they couldn’t contain India’s middle order. In both innings, England’s batting lacked discipline. Apart from brief spells of resistance, they lost wickets in clusters — including seven ducks across both innings.
England’s head coach, Brendon McCullum, admitted post-match that opting to field first was a misjudgment. The team also missed the services of Mark Wood and Jofra Archer, resulting in a toothless attack and little control in the field.
With the series now level at 1-1, both teams will head to Lord’s for the third Test starting July 10. India, buoyed by strong all-round performances, will look to take the lead, while England must address their selection and top-order issues before the quick turnaround.
