After a jaw-dropping match at Headingley, the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy rolls into Edgbaston for the second Test starting July 2. England led 1–0, riding high on the back of a record-breaking fourth-innings chase of 371 — their second-highest in Test history. It was a masterclass in modern Test batting as Ben Duckett led the charge with a fearless 149, outshining India’s five centurions in the match. Despite their defeat, India’s batting unit showed ominous signs of form. With both teams fired up and carrying lessons from Leeds, the stage is set for another fierce battle in Birmingham.
Match Preview
The Edgbaston Test brings new intrigue into an already fascinating series. England, under Ben Stokes’ leadership and the Bazball philosophy, arrived with momentum and growing belief. Jamie Smith, the new face behind the stumps, summed up England’s mood: “We never gave them a sniff.” That sums up the steely, calm precision of their chase in Leeds.
India, on the other hand, are not in panic mode. Their top order flexed its muscles with centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, and Shubman Gill and a stunning twin-ton effort from Rishabh Pant. But glaring issues in the bowling department — especially without Jasprit Bumrah — were laid bare. With Stuart Broad and Michael Clarke publicly questioning India’s strategy and selection, changes seem imminent. The pressure is firmly on India’s bowlers and team management to respond.
Weather and Pitch Report
Pitch
Edgbaston is a venue that traditionally provides plenty of movement for seamers early on, especially when overhead conditions assist swing. The first two days are typically tricky for batting, with the new ball threatening both edges. However, as the game progresses, the surface tends to ease out, offering value for stroke play. On Days 4 and 5, spinners may come into the picture as cracks open and footmarks develop — especially from the pavilion end.
Weather
The Birmingham forecast suggests a mix of clouds and occasional showers across the first three days. Early humidity and overcast skies are likely to prolong the seam-friendly phase of the pitch. Rain interruptions, though not heavy, may play a role in breaking momentum and bringing the toss into sharper focus. Captains will be tempted to bowl first if the skies are grey on Day 1.
Probable Playing XI
India:
- KL Rahul
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Sai Sudharsan
- Shubman Gill (c)
- Rishabh Pant (wk)
- Karun Nair
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Arshdeep Singh
- Prasidh Krishna
- Mohammed Siraj
Jasprit Bumrah remains a game-time decision. He bowled in the nets, but the final call is pending. There’s also a strong clamor for Kuldeep Yadav’s inclusion — Clarke called it a “no-brainer,” with Broad echoing the sentiment.
England:
- Zak Crawley
- Ben Duckett
- Joe Root
- Ollie Pope
- Harry Brook
- Jamie Smith (wk)
- Ben Stokes (c)
- Shoaib Bashir
- Chris Woakes
- Jofra Archer
- Brydon Carse
England are unlikely to make changes after their composed Headingley win. Archer’s return adds a cutting edge, while Bashir and Woakes give them options to exploit Edgbaston’s varied nature.
Key Players
India
Rishabh Pant
Pant was India’s lone warrior in both innings at Headingley, racking up twin centuries. It was a statement of form, fitness, and flair. His ability to counterattack under pressure and dominate spin and pace alike makes him India’s most dangerous weapon. Former players, including Sanjay Manjrekar, hailed his “mental endurance,” calling him an “exceptional player” who thrives in adversity.
Yashasvi Jaiswal
The young left-hander continued to impress with his elegant strokeplay en route to a century in the first innings. However, his fielding came under scrutiny after dropping four catches — a stat that made unwanted history. Regardless, Jaiswal’s batting form remains a significant asset at the top of the order. His ability to blunt the new ball and dominate through cover and midwicket will be vital.
England
Ben Duckett
Duckett’s 149 was the innings of the match in Leeds, not just in numbers but in its audacity. His fearless approach, marked by reverse sweeps and calculated aggression, epitomised the Bazball spirit. But it was the control and partnership with Crawley that truly stood out. Michael Vaughan labeled his innings as “controlled chaos at its finest.”
Joe Root
Quietly effective as ever, Root’s unbeaten 53 helped finish the chase with calm authority. He’s on the verge of crossing 2,500 Test runs against India — a staggering feat. At Edgbaston, his experience against both spin and swing makes him the fulcrum of England’s middle order. Expect Root to play the anchor role again.
Match Prediction: Who Will Win?
This Test could swing either way. England carry the psychological edge after their memorable chase and possess the tools to exploit the early English conditions. Archer’s presence strengthens their pace attack, and their belief in Bazball remains unshaken.
India, meanwhile, have the stronger top order on paper. Pant’s form, Gill’s composure, and Jaiswal’s strokeplay provide a strong foundation. The big question remains: can their bowlers deliver without Bumrah? And will they finally pick Kuldeep Yadav to challenge England’s right-hand-heavy middle order?
The toss will be crucial:
- If England bowl first under overcast skies, they could nip out early wickets and dictate the game.
- If India survive that opening burst and post 400+, it puts pressure back on England’s batting.
Prediction: England have a slight upper hand due to recent form and home advantage. But if India make the right selection calls — especially Kuldeep — and get runs on the board, the visitors could level the series. A close contest awaits. Expect rain breaks, bowling spells that swing the momentum, and another edge-of-the-seat finish.