The second Test between India and England kicked off thrillingly at Edgbaston, Birmingham. With England winning the toss and opting to bowl first under overcast skies, the stage was set for early movement and testing conditions. As the morning session unfolded, India’s top order faced some turbulence, but it was Yashasvi Jaiswal who held firm with an impressive unbeaten 62, guiding India to 98/2 at lunch.
England’s Tactical Start
Opting to bowl first on a surface with a bit of green, England hoped to rattle India early—and they did just that. KL Rahul, who had the task of weathering the new ball, couldn’t survive long. He was dismissed for just two runs by Chris Woakes, who found early rhythm with his line and length.
Woakes has always been lethal in English conditions, and once again, he proved why. Bowling with discipline, he kept India’s openers in check and removed Rahul in the 9th over. The first breakthrough came at a team score of 15, immediately putting India on the back foot.
Karun Nair’s Return and Departure
Back in the Test side after a long gap, Karun Nair showed some promise with the bat. He struck a composed 31 off 50 deliveries, showcasing elegant drives and sharp footwork. Just when it seemed like he was settling in for a bigger innings, Brydon Carse forced a mistake. Nair, attempting a risky shot, ended up edging one to Harry Brook. England had their second—India were 95/2, and suddenly the momentum shifted again.
Still, Nair’s short but steady knock did help build a foundation alongside Jaiswal, who was already looking well-set.
Yashasvi Jaiswal: A Rock at the Top
If India has a new star in the making in Test cricket, it’s Yashasvi Jaiswal. The 22-year-old left-hander has been in superb form, and today he carried the Indian innings on his shoulders. With excellent foot movement and a solid defence, he tackled England’s pace attack with maturity beyond his years.
Jaiswal reached his half-century in style, scoring 62 runs off 69 balls by the time lunch was called. His innings included 11 boundaries—each one a blend of elegance and authority. Against both seam and spin, Jaiswal looked at ease, timing the ball sweetly and rotating the strike smartly.
His shot selection has been sharp, and he’s avoided risky drives early on, especially against the moving ball. With the second session approaching, India will be banking on him to convert this start into a big hundred.
Shubman Gill – Still to Get Going
India’s captain, Shubman Gill, walked in after the fall of Karun Nair. He’s currently batting on one off six balls. With his recent form under scrutiny, this innings is crucial not just for India’s total but also for his leadership confidence.
Gill has shown flashes of brilliance in the past but needs a substantial score to silence critics. If he can build a partnership with Jaiswal, India might post a competitive total in the first innings.
England’s Bowling Attack
England’s pace attack, led by Chris Woakes and supported by Brydon Carse, started strong. The movement off the pitch and through the air tested the Indian top order. Woakes, as always, was consistent with his line. Carse, meanwhile, picked up the key wicket of Nair and looked threatening during his spells.
Notably, Mark Wood has yet to bowl, and England still has spin options in reserve. If conditions dry up later in the day, they might introduce spin to break partnerships and slow the scoring rate.
Lunch Break Scenario
At lunch on Day 1, India sits at 98/2 after 25 overs. The match is evenly poised. England will be happy to have removed Rahul and Nair early, but India has the upper hand thanks to Jaiswal’s steady knock. With Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar yet to bat, India’s middle order could help push the score beyond 300.
India’s strategy in the second session will likely revolve around rotating strikes and avoiding unnecessary risks. If they can survive the next hour or two with minimal damage, a 350+ total could be on the cards.
What’s Next?
All eyes will now be on the afternoon session. England will look to bounce back with quick wickets, while India will want to build partnerships and tire out the English bowlers.
Here are a few key questions to watch for:
- Can Jaiswal carry on and notch up a memorable century?
- Will Shubman Gill break out of his lean patch and anchor the innings?
- How will England rotate their bowlers if the conditions flatten out?
- Will Pant and Jadeja counter-attack if India loses quick wickets?
The Test match is shaping up to be a proper battle between bat and ball—just the way we love it.
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