The second Test between India and England in Birmingham has swung dramatically in India's favor, thanks to a herculean effort from captain Shubman Gill and a revitalized performance from the Indian pace attack. After four days of intense cricket, India sits in a commanding position, with England facing a daunting target of 608 runs to win.
Shubman Gill's performance in this Test has been nothing short of extraordinary. He led from the front, scoring a magnificent 269 in the first innings, breaking the record for the highest individual score by an Indian captain in Test cricket. Gill followed it up with a fluent 161 in the second innings, becoming only the second Indian batter to score a double century and a century in the same Test match. His combined score of 430 runs in the match is the second-highest in Test history, only behind Graham Gooch's 456. Gill's performance has been described as a "masterclass" and a "breathtaking performance," solidifying his position as a leader in the Indian team.
Gill's heroics allowed India to declare their second innings at 427/6, setting England an imposing target. KL Rahul (55), Rishabh Pant (65), and Ravindra Jadeja (69*) also contributed valuable runs, ensuring India capitalized on the batting-friendly conditions. Pant, in particular, injected momentum into the innings with a rapid 65 off 58 balls.
In response, the Indian pace attack, led by Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep, struck early blows, leaving England struggling at 72/3 at the end of Day 4. Akash Deep, in for the rested Jasprit Bumrah, made an immediate impact, dismissing Ben Duckett and Joe Root. Mohammed Siraj also chipped in with a crucial wicket, continuing his impressive form from the first innings, where he took six wickets.
While the pitch at Edgbaston is considered good for batting, the Indian bowlers have exploited the conditions effectively, particularly with the new ball. Former Indian pacer Varun Aaron had earlier criticized the Indian pacers for being too aggressive and not bowling the right lengths on Day 3. However, the bowlers seemed to have adjusted their strategies, focusing on hitting the right areas and extracting movement off the seam.
England now faces an uphill battle to save the Test. To win, they would need to complete the highest-ever successful Test chase, surpassing the current record of 418 runs. More realistically, they will aim to bat out the final day to salvage a draw. However, with the Indian bowlers looking dangerous and the pitch offering some assistance, even that may prove a difficult task.
India, on the other hand, is in a strong position to level the series 1-1. They need seven more wickets on the final day to secure victory. Given their dominant performance with both bat and ball, they will be confident of achieving that goal. The match is intriguingly poised, with India having a clear advantage, but with the potential for England to mount a comeback.
