The second Test of the 2025 India tour of England at Edgbaston, Birmingham, has been a thrilling spectacle, with India asserting dominance over the hosts. As part of the 2025–2027 ICC World Test Championship, this five-match series, dubbed the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, has already delivered high-octane cricket. After England’s five-wicket victory in the first Test at Headingley, India have roared back, led by their young captain Shubman Gill. With Day 4 concluding on July 5, 2025, India are firmly in the driver’s seat. This blog dives into the latest updates, key performances, and what could unfold on the final day.
Day 4 Recap: India’s Commanding Position
India’s Batting Masterclass
India’s second innings was a showcase of resilience and aggression, culminating in a declaration at 427/6, setting England a mammoth target of 608 runs. Shubman Gill, the cornerstone of India’s batting, delivered a breathtaking 161 in the second innings, adding to his first-innings 269—the highest score by an Indian captain in Test history and the seventh-highest by an Indian batter overall. Gill’s match tally of 430 runs is a record for an Indian in a single Test, surpassing legends like Sunil Gavaskar and Virat Kohli.
Ravindra Jadeja (69*) and Rishabh Pant (65) played pivotal roles, with Jadeja’s composed knock and Pant’s explosive batting pushing India’s lead beyond England’s reach. The declaration came after a 106-run partnership between Gill and Jadeja, with India opting to give their bowlers ample time to dismiss England.
England’s Struggles with the Bat
England’s second innings began disastrously, finishing Day 4 at 72/3, still needing 536 runs to win. Akash Deep, replacing the rested Jasprit Bumrah, was the star with the ball, striking twice in quick succession to remove Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope (for a golden duck). Mohammed Siraj compounded England’s woes by dismissing Zak Crawley, leaving Joe Root (6) as the final recognized batsman to fall before stumps. Ollie Pope (24*) and Harry Brook (15*) survived a tense final session, but India’s bowlers, particularly Deep and Siraj, exploited the new ball’s movement on a pitch offering little assistance.
- Shubman Gill: A monumental 430 runs in the match, including a double century and a 150, cementing his status as India’s batting linchpin.
- Akash Deep: Stepped up in Bumrah’s absence, taking 2/36 in England’s second innings and proving his worth as a Test bowler.
- Mohammed Siraj: Continued his fiery form from the first innings (6/70) with a crucial wicket in the second.
- Harry Brook and Ollie Pope: England’s last hope, unbeaten at stumps but facing an uphill battle on Day 5.
What Could Happen on Day 5?
India’s Path to Victory
India need just seven wickets to level the series at 1-1, and with a full day’s play ahead, they are overwhelming favorites. The pitch, described as flat but slowing down, may offer some turn for Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar as the day progresses. The new ball, only 16 overs old at stumps, remains a potent weapon for Siraj and Deep. If India can dismiss Brook and Pope early, England’s lower order, including Ben Stokes and Jamie Smith, may struggle to withstand the pressure. Weather forecasts suggest rain could interrupt play, but India’s substantial lead means a draw is unlikely unless England bat out the day.
England’s Slim Chances
England’s only realistic hope is to bat for survival, aiming for a draw. Chasing 608 is unprecedented in Test history, with no team ever surpassing 500 in the fourth innings. Brook and Pope, both capable of long innings, must anchor the effort, with support from Stokes and Smith. England’s “Bazball” approach, known for aggressive chases, could keep things interesting, but the loss of Root—a linchpin against India—makes their task daunting. A collapse similar to their first innings (where they lost their last five wickets for 20 runs) could hand India a quick victory.
Strategic Considerations
India might opt for an aggressive field setup to maximize pressure, especially with spin expected to play a bigger role on Day 5. England, meanwhile, may rely on their depth, with Smith’s first-innings 184 showcasing their lower-order resilience. However, without Jofra Archer (absent due to a family emergency) and with Jasprit Bumrah potentially returning for the third Test, England’s bowling attack may lack the firepower to stage a comeback if India bat again.
Looking Ahead: The Series Context
With the series poised at 1-0 in England’s favor, a win for India would set up an enthralling third Test at Lord’s (July 10–14, 2025). The return of Bumrah and Archer could elevate the contest, with both teams vying for crucial World Test Championship points. India’s ability to dominate without Bumrah highlights their depth, while England’s aggressive “Bazball” strategy will be tested against India’s relentless bowling attack.
Conclusion
The second Test at Edgbaston has been defined by Shubman Gill’s historic batting and India’s disciplined bowling. As Day 5 dawns, India are on the cusp of leveling the series, while England face a Herculean task to avoid defeat. Cricket fans can expect a gripping finale, with India’s bowlers aiming to seal the deal and England hoping for a miracle. Stay tuned for live updates on ESPNcricinfo or BBC Sport to catch every moment of this epic clash!
