India vs England 2nd Test 2025: In a high-octane battle at Edgbaston, Birmingham, the Indian cricket team, led by newly-appointed Test captain Shubman Gill, has taken firm control of the second Test in the ongoing five-match series against hosts England. At the end of Day 4, India has set England an enormous 608-run target to win the match after declaring their second innings at 427/6. With two days remaining and over 600 runs to chase, the pressure now squarely lies on Ben Stokes’ men to salvage the game.
India’s Second Innings – Captain Gill Leads from the Front
After gaining a healthy 180-run lead in the first innings, India came out to bat in the second innings with clear intent. The opening pair gave a solid start with a 51-run stand, and by the end of Day 3, India had scored 64/1 in 13 overs. On Day 4, the Indian batters accelerated the pace, with skipper Shubman Gill playing a breathtaking knock of 161 runs off just 162 balls.
Gill’s innings was a captain’s masterpiece — filled with 13 boundaries and 8 massive sixes — setting the tone for an aggressive declaration. Ravindra Jadeja also played a crucial supporting role, remaining unbeaten on 69. The Indian camp eventually declared at 427/6 in 83 overs, showcasing a clear strategy to force a win.
England’s Bowling – Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir Shine in Patches
Despite the run fest, England found some success with the ball. Josh Tongue and Shoaib Bashir picked up two wickets each, while Brydon Carse and Joe Root chipped in with a wicket apiece. However, none of the bowlers managed to halt India’s scoring momentum, especially during Gill’s onslaught.
India’s First Innings – The Gill Show Begins
Earlier, after losing the toss and being put in to bat, India didn’t start on the best note, losing an early wicket at just 15 runs. But the innings soon turned into a batting masterclass. Shubman Gill, who has taken up the Test captaincy mantle, scored a mammoth 269 runs off 387 deliveries — a marathon innings filled with 30 fours and 3 sixes.
He was ably supported by Ravindra Jadeja, who contributed 89 runs, and Karun Nair, who played a gritty hand. India was bowled out for 587 in 151 overs, setting a strong base in the match.
England’s First Innings – Smith and Brook Resist, But India Dominate
In response, England got off to a disastrous start, losing three wickets for just 25 runs. However, Jamie Smith, England’s rising wicketkeeper-batter, played one of the finest Test innings of his young career, remaining unbeaten on 184 off 207 deliveries, with 21 fours and 4 sixes. He stitched an important partnership with Harry Brook, who scored 158 runs.
Despite the heroics of Smith and Brook, the rest of the English lineup crumbled under pressure, and the team was bowled out for 407 in 89.3 overs, giving India a crucial 180-run lead.
India’s Bowling – Siraj and Akash Deep Lead the Charge
India’s bowling unit was clinical. Mohammed Siraj was the standout performer, scalping 5 wickets, while Akash Deep, playing just his second Test, took 4 wickets, including key breakthroughs early on. Their fiery spells ensured England couldn’t convert individual brilliance into a team total that could challenge India.
What Lies Ahead – Can England Survive or Will India Level the Series?
With 608 runs to win and two full days of cricket left, England face a monumental task — one that has never been achieved in the history of Test cricket. The current world record for the highest successful run chase stands at 418, and England are well beyond that.
The big question now: Can Ben Stokes’ England bat for two days to save the Test, or will India’s bowlers finish the job to level the series 1-1? With the pitch showing signs of wear and India’s bowling attack in rhythm, the odds clearly favor the visitors.
Series Situation
England had won the first Test match by five wickets, taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. With India now in command of the second Test, the visitors have a golden opportunity to pull things back and set the tone for the remaining matches.
Both teams have shown glimpses of brilliance — England with their aggressive Bazball style, and India with traditional grit and flair under a young captain. This series promises to be a modern-day classic.
