India roared back into the Test series with a commanding 336-run victory over England at Edgbaston, leveling the contest 1-1 and setting the stage for a thrilling third encounter at Lord’s. After a forgettable defeat in Leeds, India bounced back in style, led by a colossal batting display from captain Shubman Gill and a disciplined bowling effort from Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep.
Gill, who scored a staggering 430 runs in the match, delivered one of the finest individual performances in Test history. His 269 in the first innings laid the foundation for India’s massive 587-run total. England, unable to mount a significant reply, conceded a 180-run lead. Gill then returned with renewed determination to score another century, 161 runs in the second innings, helping India set a near-impossible target of 608 for the hosts.
“Sometimes you have to lead by example. If a good ball gets me out, that’s fine. But I won’t throw my wicket away,” Gill said at the post-match press conference. “When you look at the scorecard, you don’t think about personal milestones.”
In a light-hearted moment, Gill opened the press conference looking for a journalist who had previously questioned India’s record at Edgbaston. “I can’t see my favourite journalist. Where is he?” he quipped, drawing laughter from the room.
India’s win was built not just on the back of its batting, but a significantly improved all-round performance. Where they faltered in Leeds, dropping catches and leaking runs, they were disciplined and clinical in Birmingham. Siraj and Akash Deep delivered with the ball, ensuring England never got into a rhythm, despite resistance from Harry Brook and Jamie Smith in the first innings.
Gill addressed the pre-match comments by Brook, who said England would chase any target. “It looks like the Indians took that to heart,” he said, pointing to the scoreboard as the ultimate answer.
With questions swirling about Jasprit Bumrah’s absence, Gill was quick to praise his attack: “Without Jasprit Bhai, there were a lot of questions about whether we can do the job. But Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep stepped up magnificently.”
Looking ahead, Gill confirmed that Bumrah will return for the third Test, bolstering a side already high on confidence. With the series now level, all eyes turn to Lord’s for what promises to be a blockbuster decider.
