🏏 India vs England – 2nd Test at Edgbaston (July 2–6, 2025)

🏏 India vs England – 2nd Test at Edgbaston (July 2–6, 2025)

🔹 Match Result

India inflicted a commanding 336-run victory over England—marking their first-ever Test win at Edgbaston—and brought the five-match series level at 1–1.



📅 Match Progression & Key Performances

🧱 First Innings – India (587)

Led by captain Shubman Gill’s historic 269, India piled on runs with a massive first-innings total of 587. Gill stitched a crucial 203-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja (89), shattering a 46-year-old record for India’s highest Test score in England. Jadeja’s gritty contribution helped set a nearly unassailable foundation.

🏏 England’s Response – (407)

England responded with spirited batting, highlighted by a mammoth 158 from Harry Brook and a classy 184 not out by Jamie Smith. However, Mohammed Siraj’s incisive spell of 6/70 combined with Akash Deep’s 4/88 bulldozed through the batting lineup. England folded for 407, trailing by 180.

👊 India’s Second Innings – (427/6d)

India declared at 427/6, propelled by another commanding century from Gill (161) and Jadeja’s 69. England’s spinners, including Shoaib Bashir, chipped in but couldn’t match India’s batting dominance.

⚰️ England Fell Short – (271)

Chasing a mammoth target of 608, England crumbled to 271, ending on the last day as India celebrated a thumping win. Akash Deep starred with 6/99 while Washington Sundar also got into the act with 1/28.



🔦 Match Highlights & Analysis

✅ Shubman Gill’s Captain’s Masterclass

Gill became the fourth Indian captain to score centuries in his first two Tests (after Hazare, Gavaskar, Kohli), reinforcing his leadership and batting pedigree. His double century and follow-up ton at Edgbaston placed him among India’s Test greats.

🎯 Akash Deep Emerges Hero

With 10 wickets in the match (including 6 in the final innings), Akash Deep filled the void of Jasprit Bumrah and anchored India’s bowling. His performance was pivotal in dismantling England’s chase.

🌀 Jadeja’s All-round Contribution

Jadeja’s gritty batting (89 & 69), combined with tight bowling, helped India dominate both first and second innings. His stand with Gill was a defining partnership.

🧪 Tactical Observations & Takeaways

England’s decision to bowl first backfired as India capitalized on batting-friendly conditions. Brendon McCullum later admitted that choice was a mistake.

Shoaib Bashir, though expensive, still picked five wickets—showing potential but needing refinement.

From India’s side, the leadership and mental resilience of Gill, combined with depth in seam bowling through Deep and Siraj, gave them clear advantage.



🎯 Key Performers Summary

Team Player Contribution

India Shubman Gill 269 & 161 — back-to-back centuries as captain
India Ravindra Jadeja 89 & 69 — high-value contributions in both innings
India Akash Deep Match haul of 10 wickets (including 6 in 2nd innings)
India Mohammed Siraj 6/70 in 1st innings
England Harry Brook 158 in first innings
England Jamie Smith 184* in first innings



🧭 Why India Won Big

1. Massive first innings lead collapsed England’s confidence.


2. Gill and Jadeja’s twin storm of runs allowed India to set an unassailable target.


3. Seam dominance by Deep and Siraj dismantled England under pressure.


4. England’s bowling choice and strategy misreading conditions left them exposed.



India’s emphatic outing at Edgbaston underlined a well-balanced team effort and stamped their authority back in the series.



🧵 Broader Context & Buzz

The series now stands at 1–1, with host advantage ebbing and flowing.

Gill’s leadership and batting have been hailed as a pivotal turning point for India’s Test fortunes.

England faces scrutiny over Stokes’ form and captaincy—former England skipper Michael Atherton questioned his Test match impact.



🧠 Final Takeaway

The second Test at Edgbaston was a statement match for India: exemplary batting, disciplined bowling, and strategic clarity. Shubman Gill’s captaincy cut through the sentiment of the first Test loss; Jadeja and Deep backed him with match-winning contributions. England’s flaws were exposed in strategy, execution, and temperament under pressure. As the series heads to Lord’s for Test 3, India will be brimming with confidence and momentum.