After considerable debate over team combinations, India fielded a line-up that leaned heavier on batting compared to Headingley. The strategy paid off handsomely. Ravindra Jadeja, with two gritty fifties, and Washington Sundar, who contributed a patient 42 in the first innings, only made evident the depth of India’s batting
India, by contrast, silenced critics who had questioned their composition after Gill lost the toss (Photo: BCCI)
Coach Gautam Gambhir couldn’t hide his delight as Akash Deep was swarmed by jubilant teammates after India's colossal 336-run win over England at Edgbaston. If the absence of Jasprit Bumrah was felt, Akash ensured it didn’t show, stepping up brilliantly on a surface where his pace, seam, and control rattled England’s line-up, just as he had done on debut in Ranchi.
After considerable debate over team combinations, India fielded a line-up that leaned heavier on batting compared to Headingley. The strategy paid off handsomely. Ravindra Jadeja, with two gritty fifties, and Washington Sundar, who contributed a patient 42 in the first innings, only made evident the depth of India’s batting. However, Nitish Kumar Reddy, whose inclusion was touted to bolster the lower order, managed just a solitary run in each innings.
Karun Nair’s struggles were even more glaring. His return to the Test side was built up after a majestic 204 against England Lions, but scores of 31 and 26 have raised doubts over his spot for the upcoming Lord’s Test.
England, meanwhile, endured a chastening experience. For the first time ever, India won at Edgbaston, defending a monumental target of 607. It also marked only India’s 10th Test win on English soil, in a contest where they crossed the 1,000-run aggregate mark for the first time in their history.
Back in the England camp, there will be no escaping uncomfortable questions about their bowling. Deprived of Jofra Archer, who withdrew citing personal reasons, their attack looked toothless. Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, and Josh Tongue were all largely ineffective, while Shoaib Bashir bore the brunt, leaking over a hundred runs in each innings.
India, by contrast, silenced critics who had questioned their composition after Gill lost the toss. Gambhir’s decision to prefer Sundar over Kuldeep Yadav drew flak, with many arguing a wrist-spinner might have broken the 303-run stand between Jamie Smith and Harry Brook far sooner.
Yet, in the bigger picture, India’s bowling clicked. Mohammed Siraj wreaked havoc in the first innings, while Akash’s superb seam bowling, moving it away with precision from wide of the crease, saw him claim four and six wickets in the first and second innings, respectively. Prasidh Krishna was the lone weak link, proving costly early on, especially when Smith tore into him for four boundaries and a six in an over. Though he tightened up marginally later, questions linger over his role.
In just four days’ time, the sides will lock horns again at Lord’s. England will desperately hope Archer returns to plug glaring holes in their attack, while Smith, who fought valiantly across both innings, remains their biggest bright spot. India, brimming with confidence, could well ring in changes of their own with Bumrah likely to return.
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