India National Cricket Team. Pic Credits Getty Images

ENG vs IND: India Shatters Edgbaston Jinx With Historic 336-Run Victory In 2nd Test

Birmingham, July 6, 2025 – In a historic triumph, India clinched their first-ever Test victory at Edgbaston, Birmingham, on Sunday, July 6, 2025, defeating England by a commanding 336 runs in the second Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. This monumental win leveled the five-match series at 1-1, erasing the memory of India’s defeat in the first Test at Headingley.

The victory was particularly significant, breaking a 58-year jinx at Edgbaston, where India had previously lost seven and drawn one of their eight Tests. Shubman Gill’s record-breaking batting and Akash Deep’s sensational bowling were the cornerstones of this landmark achievement.

Under the leadership of Shubman Gill, who at 25 years became the fourth-youngest Indian captain to win a Test, India dominated with both bat and ball. Gill’s extraordinary 430 runs in the match—269 in the first innings and 161 in the second—set a new benchmark for an Indian batter in a single Test, surpassing legends like Sunil Gavaskar.

Akash Deep, replacing the rested Jasprit Bumrah, emerged as the bowling hero, claiming a maiden 10-wicket haul, including 6/99 in England’s second innings. This victory, India’s largest away win by runs, has set the stage for an enthralling series as both teams head to Lord’s for the third Test.

Special win and special reactions from Edgbaston

England’s Batting: A Fight Undone by Collapses

England began Day 5 at 72/3, chasing an improbable target of 608 runs set by India’s declaration at 427/6 in their second innings. Morning session on Day 5 turned the tide decisively in India’s favor. A rain-delayed start reduced the day’s play by 10 overs, but India’s bowlers wasted no time, striking thrice before Lunch to leave England reeling at 153/6.

Akash Deep was the wrecker-in-chief, dismissing Ollie Pope (24) and Harry Brook (23) in quick succession. Pope was bowled by Deep’s movement off the pitch, while Brook, who had scored a century in the first innings, failed to counter the seamer’s accuracy. The session’s defining moment came when Washington Sundar trapped England captain Ben Stokes lbw for 33 off 73 balls. Stokes, known for his resilience, looked set to anchor the innings but was outfoxed by Sundar’s well-flighted delivery.

England Batting Line Up, England vs India 2nd Test Series 2025, Day 5 Pic Credits: ESPNcricinfo
England Batting Line Up, England vs India 2nd Test Series 2025, Day 5
Pic Credits: ESPNcricinfo

Post-Lunch, Jamie Smith, fresh off a first-innings century, offered resistance with a spirited 88 off 99 balls, including 9 fours and four sixes. However, Smith’s dismissal, caught by Sundar off Deep, triggered a collapse. Brydon Carse fought valiantly, scoring 38 off 48 balls, but his dismissal, bowled by Deep, sealed England’s fate. The hosts were bowled out for 271 in 68.1 overs, falling 336 runs short of the target. England’s batting, despite moments of brilliance from Smith and Brook, lacked the depth to withstand India’s relentless bowling attack.

India’s Bowling: Akash Deep’s Breakthrough and Team Effort

India’s bowling unit was the backbone of their victory, with Akash Deep delivering a performance for the ages. Stepping into the shoes of Jasprit Bumrah, the 27-year-old debutant claimed 10 wickets in the match—4/88 in the first innings and 6/99 in the second. His ability to generate movement and maintain tight lines troubled England’s batsmen throughout. Key wickets included Ollie Pope, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith, and Brydon Carse, with Deep’s final wicket of Carse wrapping up the innings and completing his maiden five-wicket haul.

Mohammed Siraj, who had set the tone with 6 wickets in England’s first innings, added one more in the second, finishing with a match tally of 7. His pace and aggression complemented Deep’s precision, ensuring England’s batsmen were under constant pressure. Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Prasidh Krishna each chipped in with one wicket in the second innings, with Sundar’s dismissal of Stokes proving pivotal. Jadeja’s left-arm spin and Sundar’s guile kept England’s middle order in check, while Krishna, despite a solitary wicket, bowled with discipline.

India Bowling Line Up, England vs India 2nd Test Series 2025, Day 5 Pic Credits: ESPNcricinfo
India Bowling Line Up, England vs India 2nd Test Series 2025, Day 5 Pic Credits: ESPNcricinfo

India’s bowling strategy was a masterclass in adaptability. Despite the rain delay, the bowlers exploited the pitch’s assistance, maintaining relentless pressure through accurate lines and lengths. Akash Deep’s performance, in particular, highlighted India’s bowling depth, proving they could dominate even without their spearhead, Bumrah.

Match Summary: India’s Commanding Performance

India’s dominance was evident from the outset. After England posted 407 in their first innings, powered by centuries from Harry Brook and Jamie Smith, India responded with a colossal 587, driven by Shubman Gill’s 269, and centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant. In their second innings, India declared at 427/6, with Gill’s 161 and contributions from Rahul (55) and Pant (65) setting England a daunting target of 608.

England’s second innings began promisingly, but India’s bowlers, led by Akash Deep, ensured there was no way back. The morning session on Day 5, despite the rain delay, saw India dismantle England’s top order, and the post-Tea collapse sealed the hosts’ fate. The 336-run victory margin surpassed India’s previous record of 317 runs against West Indies in 2019, marking their largest away win by runs.

This win was not just about numbers but about breaking a psychological barrier. Edgbaston had been a fortress for England against India, but Gill’s leadership and the team’s collective effort turned it into a stage for a historic triumph.

Player of the Match: Shubman Gill’s Record-Breaking Feat

Shubman Gill was deservedly named Player of the Match for his monumental 430-run haul, the second-highest individual aggregate in Test history and the highest by an Indian. His 269 in the first innings anchored India’s massive total, while his 161 in the second ensured England faced an insurmountable target.

Gill’s performance broke records previously set by Sunil Gavaskar and Alan Border, and his composure under pressure as captain was equally impressive. At 25 years and 301 days, he became the fourth-youngest Indian captain to win a Test, cementing his status as a rising star.

Looking Ahead: A Thrilling Series Awaits

With the series tied at 1-1, the third Test at Lord’s, starting July 10, 2025, promises to be a blockbuster. India will be bolstered by the return of Jasprit Bumrah, who is expected to replace Prasidh Krishna, adding further potency to their bowling attack. England, stung by this defeat, will need to regroup under Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum to counter India’s momentum.

The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy has already delivered high-octane cricket, and with three Tests remaining, both teams will be eager to gain the upper hand at the Home of Cricket.

Also Read: ENG vs IND: Akash Deep Shines With Historic 10-Wicket Haul In India’s Edgbaston Triumph

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