Author: Akshay Published Date: 07 July 2025
A Rain-Delay Drama Turned Dominance
Day 5 kicked off under promise and threat, in equal measure. Morning rain halted play for over an hour, and with overs lost, tension mounted around India getting enough time to wrap up England’s innings. But once on the field, India wasted no time.
The initial drizzle gave way to clear skies, and the bowlers were unleashed, with Akash Deep at the helm.
Akash Deep’s 10-Wicket Masterclass
The star of the day was undoubtedly Akash Deep. He delivered a match haul of 10 wickets, including six in the second innings, dismantling England’s lineup and triggering their dramatic collapse.
His spell was incisive and intelligent: sharp seam movement, changing pace, and late swing. He struck early—removing key batsmen like Ben Stokes and Jamie Smith—then relentlessly chipped away at the tail. India’s assistant captains lauded his accuracy and composure under pressure, and the stats spoke for themselves: from 407 in the first innings to folding England for 271 in the second, India never looked back.
England’s Resistance—and Final Collapse
Credit to Jamie Smith, who fought for 88 in the second essay—anchoring the resistance for a time. His double boundary blow and disciplined innings delayed the inevitable, but once Deep struck, the floodgates opened.
The middle overs saw critical contributions from players like Ben Stokes (33) and intermittent presses by Josh Tongue and Brydon Carse. However, Prasidh Krishna and Ravindra Jadeja also squeezed out edges and vital partnerships that turned the tide.
By the 66.4 over, the final wicket tumbled—and India celebrated their first Test win ever at Edgbaston, sealing a historic victory
Shubman Gill: The Calm Leader
Captain Shubman Gill often let his bowling do the talking, but his post-game words echoed leadership:
“Akash and Siraj were exceptional… bowled with so much heart.
Gill’s strategic nous—managing bowlers, field settings, and handling weather interruptions—was impeccable. Plus, his batting in both innings (114* and 150+) anchored India’s dominance and gave the bowlers the buffer they needed.
Historic Significance: Why This Win Matters
This is India’s first-ever Test victory at Edgbaston—a venue long seen as a British fortress. It also leveled the five-match series at 1–1, heading to the third Test at Lord’s with everything reset and anticipation soaring.
India achieved this without stalwarts like Kohli, Rohit, and Ashwin—a testament to the team’s depth and resilience.
Beyond the Numbers: Tactical Execution
India’s performance was about more than wickets; it was about execution:
- Bowling rotations were spot-on—the quicks set up the middle, spinners picked up the slack.
- Catch conversions were capital—especially Siraj’s sharp dismissal of Josh Tongue.
- Smooth field placements curtailed England’s scoring areas, forcing frustration. Even Carse—who exploded for a six—ended walking back in finality.
This wasn’t luck. It was a calculated demolition.
Day’s Turning Points
- Overs lost to rain could have aided England’s escape—but India made the most of every over brought back.
- As England struggled at 153/6, Siraj and Jadeja broke key partnerships.
- Akash Deep’s fifth wicket came as Smith pulled for a six—and then was caught plumb the next ball by an off-cutter. Momentum swung.
- With 11 wickets in hand, momentum was irreversible.
India seized each moment decisively.
England’s Bowling Unit in Limelight
Earlier, Ben Stokes opted to bowl first. He defended that decision post-match, citing the pitch and weather. Yet the decision didn’t yield dividends, as India managed 587 + 427/6—a major statement innings.
Going forward, England face tough decisions on how to reshape their attack—Jofra Archer’s injuries and Bumrah’s expected return will make Lord’s a tactical crucible.
What Lies Ahead: Lord’s Series Decider
Moving to the legendary Lord’s Test, both teams are energized:
- India heads into the third Test with momentum, confidence, and now genuine belief in winning abroad.
- England must regroup—boost morale, strengthen attack, and bring focus back.
As Gill confirmed, Bumrah is back for Lord’s—a powerful boost for India.