Skip to content 
BIRMINGHAM: Dominant India outplayed England by 336 runs in the second Test to level the five-match series 1-1 here at the Edgbaston on Sunday.
The victory marked Shubman Gill’s first as captain and also ended India’s winless streak at this venue after eight previous attempts.
The fifth day of the India vs England Test began with a rain delay, resulting in the loss of 10 overs and a half hour of play, as England resumed the final day at 72-3. After quite a few opening overs, Akash Deep drew first blood by removing Ollie Pope for 24.
Pope’s dismissal brought out-of-form Ben Stokes to the crease in a bid to steady England’s chase. However, Akash Deep struck again, trapping Harry Brook lbw for 23.
India vs Eng Day Five Morning Session
Suddenly, England were reduced to 83-5 in the morning session. However, Stokes, along with Jamie Smith, offered some resistance, stitching a 70-run stand that lifted England to 153 just before lunch.
The home team hoped the wickets column would remain unchanged by lunch, but Washington Sundar dismissed Stokes just before the break.
The England captain fought hard for his 33 off 73 deliveries with the aid of six boundaries. With that crucial breakthrough, India sensed an opening.
Jamie Smith, meanwhile, crafted another 46-run stand with Chris Woakes, reaching his well-deserved half-century in the process. Smith, who top-scored with an unbeaten 184 in the first innings, launched an aggressive counter-attack against Washington Sundar, smashing 17 in an over with the help of two sixes and four fours, pushing the total to 191-6.
Just as England appeared to be rebuilding, Woakes was caught at midwicket, leaving the hosts at 199-7. Smith tried to continue the attack, hammering Akash Deep for two consecutive sixes, but eventually holed out at square leg.
Akash Deep claimed his maiden fifer as the 24-year-old’s valiant 88-run knock, featuring nine fours and four maximums, came to an end.
With wickets tumbling down, India’s victory became inevitable. Brydon Carse provided late resistance with a well-made 38 off 48 deliveries but was eventually dismissed as England were bowled out for 271.
For India, Akash Deep finished with six wickets in the innings and ten overall in the match, sealing a statement win for India.
Love sports updates on the go? Click here to follow us on WhatsApp Channel
Following the match, skipper Ben Stokes shared his thoughts, noting that India’s seamers did well despite England trying everything.
“Two moments. Having them at 200 for 5, we were really happy there, and not being able to burst them open there and being 80 for 5, it’s tough to be able to scrape it back from there. [On the decision to bowl] It’s a tough one, he said.
“As I said, when you have them on 200 for 5, you’d be happy, but as the game got deeper and deeper, it suited India more than us. [On India’s seamers doing more] I won’t say it’s necessarily a concern,” he added.
Stokes also praised Shubman Gill’s batting, stating that England should be ready to embrace such situations in the future.
“We tried everything, changed plans, did what we could. But when a team is on top of you, it’s tough to wrestle momentum back. And the opposition is world-class. Shubman had a fantastic game. Tough one. It is always a difficult position to be batting at the end of the day after a long day. Tired bodies, tired minds. But it’s a situation we’ll face again and need to get used to,” he concluded.
The winning captain, Shubman Gill, also recalled the moments from the last game while admitting that they were on spot in this match.
“All the things we spoke about after the last game, we were spot on with all of those things. I think the way we came back with our bowling and fielding was tremendous to see. On this kind of wicket, we knew that if we got 400-500 runs, it would be enough. Not every game will be like Headingley,” he said.
The ‘Player of the Match’ also reflected on his and the overall team India’s collective bowling performances.
“[The bowlers] They were magnificent. The way we were able to get through their top order, they bowled brilliantly. Even Prasidh didn’t get as many wickets, but he bowled brilliantly. [On Akash Deep] He hit the right lengths and was getting the ball to move both ways, which was difficult on a pitch like this. He was magnificent for us. I am definitely feeling comfortable with my game, and if we are able to win the series with my contributions, it’ll be great,” Shubman Gill said.
“As I said before, I want to play as a batsman, and go out as a batsman and make decisions as a batsman. Sometimes you won’t take some risks when you’re thinking as a captain,n which you have to do as a batsman. [Jasprit Bumrah back in Lord’s?] Definitely. [On looking forward to Lord’s] No bigger honour than to captain your country in a Test match at Lord’s,” the newly appointed captain concluded.
