🏏 1. Match Context & Setting
The Second Test of the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy unfolded from 2–6 July 2025 at Edgbaston, Birmingham — a venue steeped in history, not just English but Test cricket lore theguardian.com+7talksport.com+7hindustantimes.com+7indianexpress.com+2theguardian.com+2sports.ndtv.com+2. Following England’s stunning chase at Headingley, this Test promised fireworks as India looked to square the series.
2. Day 1–3 Recap: India’s First-Innings Dominance and England’s Resurgence
- India piled up a mammoth 587 in their first innings, powered by skipper Shubman Gill’s 269, the highest-ever Test innings by an Indian in England sports.ndtv.com+3indianexpress.com+3timesofindia.indiatimes.com+3.
- England responded with 407, anchored by Jamie Smith’s unbeaten 184 and Harry Brook’s 158, sharing a record-breaking 303-run sixth-wicket stand theguardian.com+2indianexpress.com+2hindustantimes.com+2.
- India’s pace duo of Mohammed Siraj (6/70) and Akash Deep (4/88) then dismantled the tail, bundling out England for 407 sports.ndtv.com+10hindustantimes.com+10timesofindia.indiatimes.com+10.
3. Day 4: India Set Up the Chase
- After enforcing the follow-on, India resumed at 0/0 but quickly advanced to 177/3 by lunch (lead of 357), thanks to a brisk partnership between Pant (41)* and Gill (24)* espncricinfo.com+6indianexpress.com+6hindustantimes.com+6.
- KL Rahul fell lbw for 55, while Karun Nair edged out for 26 espncricinfo.com+7hindustantimes.com+7sports.ndtv.com+7.
- Post-lunch, Rishabh Pant exploded to 65 (58 balls) before being caught off Shoaib Bashir en.wikipedia.org+12hindustantimes.com+12sports.ndtv.com+12.
- Meanwhile, Gill raced to the brink of another century (90+), lifting India to approximately 297/4, setting a lead near 450+ by Day 4 evening — an imposing advantage indianexpress.com+4sports.ndtv.com+4hindustantimes.com+4.
4. Key Player Performances & Stats
| Player | Innings | Runs / Wickets | Stats Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shubman Gill | 1st | 269 | First Indian to score 350+ runs in a single Test; averages 350+ in match timesofindia.indiatimes.com |
| 2nd | 90+ (not out, Day 4) | Approaching back-to-back tons | |
| Rishabh Pant | 2nd | 65 (58 balls) | Fast, entertaining inning |
| KL Rahul | 2nd | 55 | Built solid platform before dismissal |
| Mohammed Siraj | 1st | 6/70 | Led from the front in absence of Bumrah |
| Akash Deep | 1st | 4/88 | Picked key wickets to halt England’s recovery |
| Jamie Smith (ENG) | 1st | 184* | Anchored England’s fightback |
| Harry Brook | 1st | 158 | Shared record England partnership |
| Ben Stokes | — | Bowled in 1st Test | Effective bowler post-injury, but yet to score century here |
5. Tactical Analysis & Turning Points
- Bowling power-play: Siraj and Deep exploited seam movement early, shaving off England’s tail post-first innings to reset control talksport.com+12indianexpress.com+12timesofindia.indiatimes.com+12.
- Bazball meets subcontinental attack: Unlike their ultra-aggressive opener, India tempered risks in the 2nd innings, blending caution with flurries (Pant’s assault), reminiscent yet reversed from England’s strategy .
- Gill’s captaincy brilliance: Leading from the front twice — once with 269 and then near another ton — Gill is stamping authority over this series.
- England’s resurgence: Post-collapse, they recovered masterfully thanks to Smith and Brook, turning the tide momentarily before India’s pace reset things.
6. Scorecard Summary
India 1st Innings – 587
- Gill 269
- Other notable contributions and dismissal details omitted for brevity.
England 1st Innings – 407
- Smith 184*
- Brook 158
India 2nd Innings (Day 4 close) – ~297/4 (~450+ lead)
- Gill ~90*
- Pant 65
- Rahul 55
- Nair 26
England 2nd Innings – N/A
India’s commanding position has put England on the backfoot as the match progresses.
🎯 Morning Session (Overs 14–38)
Over 14 (Woakes):
– 3 runs with Gill & Rahul getting settled early timesofindia.indiatimes.com+4hindustantimes.com+4sports.ndtv.com+4.
Over 16:
– Tight bowling from Woakes, just 1 run conceded; bowlers struck edges hindustantimes.com.
Over 17 (Carse):
– A memorable edge by Nair but just 1 run; physical impact—helmet hit, then a /4 boundary shortly after .
Over 20 (Carse again):
– Jewellery-like cover drive by Nair for a 4, quickly followed by his wicket: edged caught behind for 26 off 46 espncricinfo.com+7hindustantimes.com+7timesofindia.indiatimes.com+7.
Over 23 (Carse):
– Another tight over; Gill survives a DRS scare—umpire calls NOT OUT after inside edge, England loses challenge sports.ndtv.com+2hindustantimes.com+2timesofindia.indiatimes.com+2.
Over 26 (Woakes):
– Gill edged a full delivery for 4, showcasing controlled aggression .
Over 31 (Carse):
– Rahul’s fluency continues; he drives through gully for another boundary timesofindia.indiatimes.com+3hindustantimes.com+3timesofindia.indiatimes.com+3.
Over 33–36:
– Rahul reaches his 50 with a classy drive; falls soon after—Tongue bowls him for 55, middle stump shattered espncricinfo.com+7hindustantimes.com+7theguardian.com+7.
Lunch Break at 38 Overs (177/3):
– India lead by 357; Pant 41*, Gill 24*, solid platform set en.wikipedia.org+6hindustantimes.com+6timesofindia.indiatimes.com+6.
🔥 Post-Lunch Session (Overs 38–55)
Over 40 (Tongue):
– Gill turns on the aggression: six, 4, 4—dominant over that swung momentum sports.ndtv.com+2hindustantimes.com+2timesofindia.indiatimes.com+2.
Over 52 (Bashir):
– India lead crosses 429; Gill growing in confidence hindustantimes.com+1sports.ndtv.com+1.
Over 55 (Bashir):
– Gill (80*) and Jadeja pushing the total; 2 runs only in over, steady but forward momentum youtube.com+4hindustantimes.com+4sports.ndtv.com+4.
Over 59 (Bashir):
– Tight four-run over; lead at 454 espncricinfo.com+7hindustantimes.com+7timesofindia.indiatimes.com+7.
💥 Evening Session (Overs 55–63+)
Over 63 (Bashir):
– Gill (85*) closing in on ton; lead ~476 .
Over 66–74 (Tongue/Bashir):
– Pant showcases intent: three boundaries and first six of session, active in raising the tempo youtube.com+1theguardian.com+1.
Over 74–82:
– Pant reaches 50, comes on strongly. Moments later, he goes for an ambitious hit and miscues—caught by Duckett off Bashir for 65 (58 balls) timesofindia.indiatimes.com+2hindustantimes.com+2sports.ndtv.com+2.
Over 83–85:
– Gill pushes on: hits a 4 and a 6, surpassing Virat Kohli’s record for most runs by an India captain in debut series sports.ndtv.com+1timesofindia.indiatimes.com+1.
📊 Session Summary
- 113 runs from morning session at ~4.5 RPO; two key wickets (Nair & Rahul) hindustantimes.com.
- Pant-Gill partnership post-lunch: aggressive and crowd-entertaining, Pant combining fours and sixes.
- After losing Pant at 65, Gill took charge, adding rapid runs including boundaries and another six en route to near century.
7. What Lies Ahead?
- Declaration timing: India must balance setting a massive target against giving themselves enough time to bowl England out. Gill’s century decision looms large.
- Weather watch: Cloud and drizzle could aid England’s seamers; a wet outfield may complicate matters theguardian.com+3hindustantimes.com+3timesofindia.indiatimes.com+3.
– Bumrah factor: He’s rested; Siraj and Deep must continue their magic in later sessions. - England’s counter: Will Stokes mimic Headingley’s chase? Gill could invite a tense climax.
8. Series Outlook
With India level at 1–1, a win here nets momentum heading into Tests 3–5. A successful chase at Edgbaston could redefine the “Bazball” narrative and test India’s capacity under pressure. For England, reclaiming control would solidify their resurgence.
🔍 Final Thoughts
Edgbaston’s second Test has evolved into a gripping tactical chess match — star batsmen, impactful bowlers, and calculated captaincy. India has the upper hand, yet England’s resolve remains evident. Invoke the rain gods, watch Gill’s march to another ton, and brace for an epic finish.
