India Levels Series with Dominant Victory Over England at Edgbaston
In a commanding performance that saw them level the Rothesay Test series at 1-1, India secured a resounding 336-run victory against England at Edgbaston. Despite a valiant late effort from Jamie Smith, England’s batting lineup faltered under persistent pressure from India’s disciplined bowling attack, being bowled out for 271 on the final day.
England’s Resilience Tested and Ultimately Overwhelmed
England began the final day in a precarious position, needing to bat out time to salvage a draw. The morning session saw early breakthroughs for India’s paceman Akash Deep, who continued his impressive spell from the previous evening. Ollie Pope was the first to fall, a victim of an unlucky but well-executed delivery that deflected onto his stumps. Moments later, Harry Brook was given out lbw to a sharp nipbacker from Deep, further compounding England’s difficulties.
Captain Ben Stokes provided some resistance, building a partnership with the more resolute Jamie Smith. However, the English captain’s departure just before lunch, caught off the bowling of Washington Sundar, marked a significant turning point. Smith, who had already scored 184 not out in the first innings, continued to fight, bringing up his half-century with a determined display. He showed flashes of aggression, hitting four sixes, but his fight was ultimately ended when he was caught at deep-square leg off Akash Deep.
Akash Deep’s Star Turn and India’s Tactical Acumen
Akash Deep was the undoubted star of the final day, clinching his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket, finishing with figures of 6-99. His relentless accuracy and ability to move the ball in both directions proved too much for the English batsmen. He was supported by excellent catching, notably Mohammed Siraj’s stunning one-handed grab at mid-wicket to dismiss Josh Tongue.
India’s victory was a testament to their all-round performance throughout the match. Their batting, led by captain Shubman Gill’s remarkable consistency (amassing over 400 runs in the match), set a formidable target. The bowlers then executed their plans with precision, effectively dismantling England’s batting order on multiple occasions. This win at Edgbaston, their first at the venue, marks a significant achievement and sets the stage for an intriguing series ahead.
Series Level, Questions Remain for England
The series now returns to Lord’s with the momentum firmly with India. For England, this defeat serves as a stark reality check after their triumphant start to the series in Headingley. Key questions will need to be addressed, particularly concerning the fitness of their fast-bowling resources given the short turnaround between matches. The team’s ability to adapt and counter India’s potent bowling attack will be crucial as the series progresses.
India captain Shubman Gill praised his team’s execution, highlighting Akash Deep’s “magnificent” performance and the overall “tremendous” effort in bowling and fielding. He noted that the team had successfully implemented the strategies discussed after their previous match.