The Indian team, fueled by a powerful batting display and spearheaded by Akash Deep's incisive bowling, inflicted a crushing defeat on England in the second Test match, winning by 336 runs. With this victory, India leveled the five-match series at 1-1.
Sports News: The Indian Test team finally ended its winless streak at Birmingham's Edgbaston and created history. Led by Shubman Gill, Team India defeated England by a massive margin of 336 runs in the second Test and leveled the five-match series 1-1. This victory was historic in many ways as it was India's first Test win at Birmingham, having previously faced seven losses and a draw in eight Test matches played there.
Gill and coach Gautam Gambhir, who were facing criticism after the first Test loss, provided a brilliant comeback. India not only defeated England in this match, but also broke their back, relying on both batsmen and bowlers.
India's Mammoth Score and England's Target of 608 Runs
Batting first, India posted a mountain of 587 runs in the first innings, with Gill's century and the contributions of the middle order playing a crucial role. In response, England was bundled out for 407 runs, giving India a solid lead of 180 runs. In the second innings, India maintained their aggressive approach and declared at 427/6, setting England a very difficult target of 608 runs to win. This target was almost impossible in the context of Test cricket, and ultimately, England's team was bowled out for 271 runs on the fifth day.
Akash Deep Becomes the Hero
The biggest name in India's bowling was Akash Deep, who took 6 wickets in the second innings and dashed England's hopes. He had also taken 4 wickets in the first innings and delivered his career-best performance with a total of 10 wickets. Only Jamie Smith (88 runs) could stay at the crease for long in England's second innings.
He, along with captain Ben Stokes, formed a 70-run partnership, which put India in some worry for a while, but Washington Sundar took Stokes' wicket, giving India some relief. After this, England's innings did not last long. Apart from Akash Deep, Mohammad Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar also took a wicket each, breaking England's back.
Gill Becomes the First Asian Captain to Win at Edgbaston
Under the captaincy of Shubman Gill, the Indian team registered their first victory at the Birmingham ground. He is the first Asian captain to defeat England at Edgbaston. Moreover, this was his first Test victory as a captain. The questions that were raised about Gill after the first Test loss were answered with this historic win. Gill was chosen as the Player of the Match for his brilliant captaincy and a century.
India's Biggest Test Win in Terms of Runs Overseas
This 336-run margin is India's biggest Test win overseas. Previously, India had defeated West Indies by 318 runs in North Sound in 2016. Overall, this will be considered India's fourth-biggest win in Test cricket in terms of runs. With this win, India has also jumped up in the World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle points table.
India has 12 points in two matches and a points percentage of 50, which has moved them to fourth place. England was shocked by this defeat and is in fifth place with 12 points and a 50% points percentage. Currently, Australia is at the top of the table with 12 points and a 100% points percentage, while Sri Lanka and Bangladesh remain in second and third place, respectively.
Eyes on the Third Test
The next, i.e., the third Test between India and England, will be played from July 10 at the historic Lord's ground. England will certainly try to make a comeback, but India's morale is sky-high after the memorable victory at Edgbaston. Considering Akash Deep's form, Gill's captaincy, and the depth of the Indian batsmen, Team India will once again try to take the lead in the series.
