India stormed back into the five-Test series, hammering England by a record 336-run margin at Edgbaston to level the series 1-1. Led by a young Shubman Gill and missing their pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, India produced a commanding all-round performance that exposed the limits of England’s high-risk Bazball tactics.
India Rewrite the Script at Their Edgbaston Graveyard
Before this Test, India had never won at Edgbaston in 8 previous attempts. Facing a confident England unit and missing Bumrah, questions loomed large. But Gill’s young side flipped the narrative:
- 608 runs in the first innings set the tone.
- India bowled England out twice on a flat pitch.
- They sustained pressure over 234 overs across both innings.
Gambhir-Gill Masterstroke: Backing the Batting Depth
Much was said about leaving out Kuldeep Yadav, but India backed Washington Sundar for his batting ability. And it worked. From the selection calls to execution, Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir showed tactical clarity.
With Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep forming the bowling core, the side defied inexperience to dismantle England’s line-up twice — a feat that seemed improbable after the Headingley defeat.
Akash Deep, Siraj Steal the Show
- Mohammed Siraj: 6/70 in the first innings, delivering early blows and finishing off the tail.
- Akash Deep: Backed up his four-wicket haul in the first innings with 6/99 in the second.
Playing just his second Test, Deep constantly hit the stumps, bringing LBWs and bowleds into play.
Together, they ensured England never truly recovered despite Harry Brook and Jamie Smith’s 303-run stand in the first innings.
What This Win Means for Gill and India
- Validation for Gill as captain: In only his second Test leading the side, he’s now tied the series and instilled belief in his young unit.
- Emergence of new bowling heroes: No Bumrah? No problem. India’s depth showed.
- Statement to England and the world: This is not a one-man army. India can win abroad with fresh faces and fearless intent.
Bazball Runs into a Wall
England’s philosophy of chasing anything hit a brick wall in Birmingham. After Stokes elected to bowl first, India batted them out of the game and then outbowled them — flattening Bazball by innings discipline and scoreboard pressure.
Even Ben Stokes’ confident declaration that his side could chase 371 proved far-fetched. England were bundled out for 272 — and that too after their only real resistance in the match came in the form of Brook and Smith.
What’s Next: Momentum with India
- Series Levelled 1-1
- Jasprit Bumrah expected to return for the third Test at Lord’s
- England’s resources stretched, as evident by the addition of Gus Atkinson and an extra rest day before the Lord’s Test
India will take renewed confidence and momentum into the iconic venue, with their youngsters having proved they belong — and then some.
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