Akash Deep delivered a career-defining performance, claiming 10 wickets in the match as India stormed to a 336-run victory over England in the second Test at Edgbaston on Sunday. The emphatic win not only leveled the five-match series but also gave India their first-ever Test victory at Edgbaston, after seven losses and a draw at the venue.
Deep, who stepped in for a rested Jasprit Bumrah, grabbed 6-99 in the second innings to finish with match figures of 10-147, the best of his eight-Test career. His relentless accuracy and pace left England reeling as they chased a near-impossible target of 608 runs.
With Jasprit Bumrah rested for the game, Deep took full advantage of the opportunity. His ability to extract bounce and movement, especially on a Day 5 Edgbaston pitch, proved too much for the English batters. His spell was a mix of raw pace and clever variations, including the slower ball that dismissed England’s top scorer Jamie Smith in the second innings.
Shubman Gill’s Batting Masterclass
Equally vital to India’s triumph was Shubman Gill, who not only captained the team with authority but also created history with the bat. The 25-year-old became the first player in Test history to score 250 and 150 in the same match, with a stunning 269 in the first innings and a rapid 161 in the second.
Gill’s aggressive yet composed strokeplay dismantled the English bowling attack across both innings. His leadership was instrumental in keeping India sharp on the field and proactive with strategies, especially while defending a colossal target on the final day.
Gill now has three centuries in two matches as captain, including a 147 in the previous Test at Headingley. His consistency and attacking mindset have injected a new energy into India’s red-ball cricket setup.
England’s Lone Resistance
For England, Jamie Smith provided the only substantial resistance. After a phenomenal 184 not out in the first innings, he followed it up with a spirited 88 in the second. However, his efforts weren’t enough to stop the Indian juggernaut. Smith’s second-innings knock included two straight sixes off Washington Sundar, but his dismissal attempting a third signaled the end of England’s last real hope.
Harry Brook, who scored 158 in the first innings, was trapped lbw by Deep for 23 in the second innings, despite a hopeful review. Captain Ben Stokes, under pressure after a golden duck in the first innings, made 33 but was removed just before lunch on Day 5.
India’s First Win at Edgbaston
This was India’s first-ever Test victory at Edgbaston, breaking a long winless streak of seven losses and one draw. It also reignited India’s hopes of winning only their fourth Test series in England.
India’s bowlers, apart from Deep, also chipped in effectively. Mohammed Siraj was economical and sharp, while Sundar picked up key wickets, including that of Stokes. Prasidh Krishna took one wicket, removing Chris Woakes with a short ball that was mistimed to midwicket.
England Collapse on Final Day
Resuming on 72-3 after a rain delay, England’s hopes of a miracle chase were quickly dashed. Ollie Pope fell early, chopping a Deep delivery onto his stumps. Stokes and Smith stitched a 70-run stand, but once the England captain was dismissed, the rest of the lineup fell apart.
England were bowled out for 271, well short of the target. The match ended when Brydon Carse lofted Deep to cover, where Gill took the catch that confirmed India’s emphatic win.
Looking Ahead
The series is now level at 1-1, and with three matches to go, both teams will look to build momentum. India’s decision to rest Bumrah proved wise as it allowed Akash Deep to showcase his match-winning potential.
