🇮🇳 India vs 🏴 England 2nd Test Preview: Redemption on the Line at Edgbaston

 

🇮🇳 India vs 🏴 England 2nd Test Preview: Redemption on the Line at Edgbaston

Dates: July 2–6, 2025
Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham
Start Time: 3:30 PM IST | 11:00 AM Local Time


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After a stunning 371-run chase at Headingley, England’s Bazball juggernaut rolls into Edgbaston for the second Test of the five-match series. With Ben Duckett leading the charge in Leeds and Ben Stokes' side brimming with confidence, the pressure is now firmly on Shubman Gill and his young Indian team.

India had their moments in the first Test — centuries from Jaiswal, Gill, and Pant laid a strong foundation — but a lack of bowling discipline and an inability to sustain pressure cost them dearly. With the series at 1-0, Edgbaston isn’t just another Test — it’s a litmus test for India’s resilience and adaptability.


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🧩 Match Context: India Under the Scanner

The first Test was a spectacle of modern Test cricket — bold strokes, fearless intent, and relentless momentum. England’s successful pursuit of 371 was the highest in their Test history, and it exposed chinks in India’s bowling armoury.

The absence of Jasprit Bumrah (rested) and the underwhelming performance of Prasidh Krishna meant India failed to strike early or contain runs in the crucial final innings. Heading into Edgbaston, changes are expected — not just in personnel, but also in approach.


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🔄 Team News & Expected Changes

🇮🇳 India: Changes Across the Board

India are likely to tweak both their bowling and batting units for Edgbaston:

Washington Sundar is tipped to come in for Sai Sudharsan, offering a balance of lower-order batting and off-spin.

Nitish Kumar Reddy, the Andhra all-rounder, is likely to replace Shardul Thakur.

With Bumrah rested, Akash Deep is expected to make the XI.

Karun Nair could be promoted to No.3 to stabilize the top order.


🧪 Probable XI:

1. KL Rahul


2. Yashasvi Jaiswal


3. Karun Nair


4. Shubman Gill (C)


5. Rishabh Pant (WK)


6. Washington Sundar


7. Ravindra Jadeja


8. Nitish Kumar Reddy


9. Arshdeep Singh


10. Akash Deep


11. Mohammad Siraj



Focus Players:

Shubman Gill: Needs to lead tactically and convert starts into decisive knocks.

Either Kuldeep Yadav or Washington Sundar? : Could be vital on a track expected to assist spin late in the game but considering India's batting collapses in both innings of the first test match Washington can be the choice for India.

Nitish Reddy: A utility player who can shape India’s balance.

Arshdeep Singh : In the absence of Bumrah left handed bowler and India's one of the finest t20 bowlers Arshdeep Singh can wear the White Jersey for team India for the first time. He can debut.

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🏴 England: If It Ain’t Broke...

England are unlikely to tinker much. Their aggressive brand of cricket continues to unsettle oppositions and produce results. The only possible change could revolve around Jofra Archer, whose fitness will determine his inclusion.

Probable XI:

1. Zak Crawley


2. Ben Duckett


3. Ollie Pope


4. Joe Root


5. Harry Brook


6. Ben Stokes (C)


7. Jamie Smith (WK)


8. Chris Woakes


9. Jofra Archer


10. Josh Tongue


11. Shoaib Bashir



Players to Watch:

Ben Duckett: The standout performer in Leeds; will be tested by spin.

Joe Root: Still the backbone of England’s red-ball batting.

Chris Woakes: A proven match-winner in Birmingham conditions.



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🔍 Key Match Factors

🌀 1. Spin vs Swing

India’s twin-spin threat of Kuldeep and Jadeja will go head-to-head with England’s swing specialists Woakes and potentially Archer. Edgbaston often assists seam early before turning slow later.

⏱️ 2. Start Matters

With both teams favoring attacking top orders, early breakthroughs could dictate momentum. Overcast morning sessions may be decisive.

⚡ 3. Bazball vs Breakdown

England’s approach is high-risk, high-reward. If India can hold their nerve and exploit the aggression with tight lines and intelligent field placements, they could force errors. But if England find rhythm again, India might be chasing shadows.


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🔮 Prediction: A Pivotal Test

India are likely to enter with more balance and urgency. If the bowlers hit their lengths and batters build on starts, they’re very capable of leveling the series. But England’s current confidence, home familiarity, and Bazball discipline keep them narrowly ahead.

Verdict: Slight edge to England, but India can turn it around if they execute under pressure.


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📺 Broadcast Details

Country TV Coverage Streaming

India Sony Sports Network SonyLIV, JioTV
United Kingdom Sky Sports Cricket Sky Go



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🗒️ Match Overview

Fixture India vs England – 2nd Test

Dates July 2–6, 2025
Venue Edgbaston, Birmingham
Time 3:30 PM IST
Series Score England lead 1–0
Format 5-match Test Series



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📝 Written by Rajesh Mallick (Raja Noor)
#INDvsENG #Bazball #EdgbastonTest #TestCricket2025 #IndiaCricket #EnglandCricket #CricketPreview #ShubmanGill #BenStokes #KuldeepYadav #Duckett #TestSeries