India vs England 2nd Test 2025: Team India finds itself in a commanding position at the end of Day 3 of the second Test match against England in the ongoing five-match Test series. With a solid lead of 244 runs and nine wickets still in hand in their second innings, India has taken control of the match after a dominant batting performance led by skipper Shubman Gill’s monumental 269 in the first innings and a fiery bowling effort by Mohammed Siraj, who bagged six wickets.
Day 3 Recap: India Leads from the Front
After two days of intense Test cricket at the iconic Edgbaston Ground, India holds a strong grip over the second match of the series. They are currently at 64 for 1 in 13 overs in their second innings, with KL Rahul (28 off 38) and Karun Nair (7 off 18) unbeaten at stumps.
England’s bowlers toiled hard but couldn’t prevent India from stretching their lead after being bowled out for 407 runs in their first innings, trailing by 180 runs.
India’s Mammoth First Innings: Gill’s Masterclass
It all began with India being put to bat first by England skipper Ben Stokes, who won the toss and chose to bowl under overcast conditions. The early decision seemed to favor the hosts as India lost an early wicket at just 15 runs.
However, Yashasvi Jaiswal (87) and Karun Nair (31) laid a decent platform before the stage was taken over by captain Shubman Gill. Batting with class and composure, Gill registered his highest-ever Test score of 269, facing 387 deliveries laced with 30 fours and 3 sixes. His innings was a blend of patience and flair, reminiscent of India’s finest overseas knocks.
He was well supported by Ravindra Jadeja (89) and Washington Sundar (42), helping India post a daunting total of 587 runs in 151 overs.
England’s Reply: Jamie Smith and Harry Brook Resist
In response, England’s top order crumbled early. At just 25 runs, they had already lost three of their main batters – Zak Crawley (19), Ben Duckett (0), and Ollie Pope (0).
The recovery was anchored by Harry Brook, who played a fluent 158-run knock, and debutant wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith, who remained unbeaten on a phenomenal 184 off 207 balls. Smith’s innings, comprising 21 boundaries and 4 sixes, was the highlight of England’s reply.
Despite their heroics, India’s bowlers kept chipping away. The real destroyer turned out to be Mohammed Siraj, who scalped 6 wickets, demolishing England’s tail. Akash Deep also impressed with four vital wickets, ensuring England could not close the deficit.
India’s 2nd Innings: Jaiswal, Rahul Extend Lead
Coming out with a hefty lead of 180, India’s openers were aggressive. Yashasvi Jaiswal, in particular, looked threatening, smashing 28 runs off 22 balls before being trapped LBW by Josh Tongue.
KL Rahul, showing patience, anchored the innings while scoring at a decent pace. He remains not out alongside Karun Nair as India closed Day 3 at 64/1, pushing their overall lead to 244 runs.
England’s Struggles With the Ball
England’s bowling looked out of ideas for most parts. While Shoaib Bashir took three wickets in India’s first innings, and Chris Woakes and Josh Tongue picked two each, the overall performance lacked bite. Their second innings effort hasn’t seen a breakthrough other than Tongue’s lone strike.
Score Summary at Stumps – Day 3
India 1st Innings: 587 all out (151 overs)
- Shubman Gill 269, Jadeja 89, Jaiswal 87
- Bashir 3/115, Woakes 2/98
England 1st Innings: 407 all out (89.3 overs)
- Jamie Smith 184*, Harry Brook 158
- Siraj 6/93, Akash Deep 4/80
India 2nd Innings: 64/1 (13 overs)
- KL Rahul 28*, Karun Nair 7*
- Fall of wicket: Jaiswal 28 (51/1 in 7.4 overs)
- Josh Tongue 1/12
India Leads by: 244 runs
What To Expect on Day 4
With over 240 runs already in the bank and nine wickets in hand, India is expected to bat deep into Day 4 and try to set England a target of 400+ runs. The pitch at Edgbaston is beginning to offer variable bounce and some turn, which could assist Indian bowlers later in the match.
If the Indian batters continue to pile on runs quickly, we may well see a declaration and a full assault from Siraj, Akash Deep, and Jadeja on a fatigued English batting line-up.
Series Context
After losing the first Test by five wickets, India is desperate to bounce back and level the series 1-1. Shubman Gill’s captaincy, which came under criticism last week, has seen a tremendous comeback, marked by tactical bowling changes and a brilliant personal performance.
Meanwhile, England will hope for early wickets on Day 4 to stay alive in the contest. They’ve shown grit in the first Test and flashes of brilliance here — but they’ll need something special to turn the tide in Birmingham.
Test cricket is at its best when it’s a battle of temperament and strategy — and the second Test at Edgbaston has offered just that. With India ahead by 244 runs and looking strong, Day 4 promises high drama. Will England fight back, or will India continue their charge toward leveling the series?
