After a thrilling first Test where England successfully chased down a massive 371-run target, the focus now shifts to the IND vs ENG 2nd Test, set to begin on July 2 at Birmingham’s iconic Edgbaston Cricket Ground. This five-match series has already lived up to its billing with a Bazball-style victory led by Ben Stokes and company. Now, with over a week to regroup, Team India will aim to bounce back under the leadership of Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir.
What’s at Stake in the IND vs ENG 2nd Test?
The IND vs ENG 2nd Test is crucial for India. A loss here could see them trailing 0-2 in the five-match series, which would make a comeback very difficult on English soil. For England, it’s an opportunity to tighten their grip and continue their Bazball dominance, particularly after showcasing aggressive and fearless cricket in Leeds.
The Indian team knows they’ll have to match England’s intensity, especially with the bat. Their failure to pick up 20 wickets in the first Test has also raised questions about bowling depth, particularly in the absence of consistent performances from Shardul Thakur.
India’s Predicted Playing XI Changes Expected
After a disappointing first outing, India is likely to make some changes. Shardul Thakur’s underwhelming performance with both bat and ball might cost him his place in the Playing XI. Young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy could be brought in as a like-for-like replacement.
There is also speculation that India might bolster its pace attack by including Arshdeep Singh, who offers a left-arm variation. The IND vs ENG 2nd Test could also see some rotation in the bowling department with Jasprit Bumrah’s workload in focus. Although Bumrah is likely to play, the team management may be cautious as he isn’t expected to feature in all five matches.
Probable India XI
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Karun Nair, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy/Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna
England’s Probable XI No Major Tweaks
England, on the other hand, is likely to stick with a winning combination. The top order looked stable, and the lower order’s ability to contribute with the bat gives them a strong edge. With Edgbaston generally assisting batters early on, expect them to go unchanged unless there’s a last-minute fitness concern.
Probable England XI
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir
Edgbaston Pitch and Conditions
The pitch at Edgbaston is traditionally good for batting in the early stages, offering pace and carry for fast bowlers. However, it tends to flatten out by Day 4, and there are rarely demons on Day 5, making it different from classical Test venues. The IND vs ENG 2nd Test could see high scores in the first innings, with spinners possibly coming into play later.
Recent history at Edgbaston also favors teams batting first, though under Stokes and McCullum’s leadership, England have defied those conventions. India will have to be flexible and smart in their approach, especially with the toss.
Match Timings and Broadcast Info
- Match Start Time: 3:30 PM IST, July 2
- Toss Timing: 3:00 PM IST
- Venue: Edgbaston Cricket Ground, Birmingham
Where to Watch the IND vs ENG 2nd Test?
Fans in India can catch the IND vs ENG 2nd Test live on the Sony Sports Network:
- English Commentary: Sony Sports 1 HD/SD & Sony Sports 5 HD/SD
- Hindi Commentary: Sony Sports 3 HD/SD
For online viewers, JioCinema will provide free live streaming of the match, making it accessible to fans across the country without a subscription.
Can India Fight Back?
The biggest question heading into the IND vs ENG 2nd Test is whether India can bounce back from their narrow defeat in Leeds. Head coach Gautam Gambhir has the challenge of lifting the spirits of a young side and crafting a strategy to counter England’s fearless approach. With Shubman Gill leading a group of relatively new faces, character and temperament will be tested in Birmingham.
India has the talent be it the explosive batting of Yashasvi Jaiswal or the experience of Rishabh Pantbut executing under pressure in English conditions is a different ball game. The week-long break gives them time to reset, recover, and return with purpose.
Final Verdict
The IND vs ENG 2nd Test promises to be a defining clash in the 2025 series. Can India make a comeback and level the series, or will England ride their Bazball momentum to go 2-0 up? All eyes will be on Edgbaston this week for another chapter in this iconic rivalry.