India has seized firm control of the second Test against England at Edgbaston, leaving the home side facing a daunting challenge. After four days of compelling cricket, India has set England an imposing target of 608 runs, and the hosts ended the day at 72/3, requiring a further 536 runs for victory.
India's dominant position was built on a combination of outstanding batting performances and incisive bowling. Shubman Gill led the charge with a magnificent display, notching up his second century of the match. Gill's sublime innings of 161 off 162 balls followed his first-innings double century, making him the second batter in Test history to score 200+ and 150+ in the same match. His match aggregate of 430 runs is second only to Graham Gooch's 456. Gill's record-breaking performance also surpassed Sunil Gavaskar's Indian record of 344 runs in a single Test. Useful contributions from KL Rahul (55), Rishabh Pant (65), and Ravindra Jadeja (69*) further bolstered India's total, allowing them to declare their second innings at 427/6.
England's batting woes were exposed once again as their top order crumbled under pressure from the Indian pace attack. Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj proved to be a lethal combination, picking up three early wickets to leave England reeling. Joe Root was dismissed for just 6 runs, while other key batsmen also failed to make significant contributions. At the close of play, Harry Brook (15) and Ollie Pope (24) were at the crease, but England still have a mountain to climb on the final day.
The match has been full of twists and turns, with momentum swinging between the two sides. On Day 3, England fought back strongly after a poor start, thanks to a brilliant 303-run partnership between Jamie Smith (184*) and Harry Brook (158). However, Mohammed Siraj's six-wicket haul helped India regain control, as England were eventually bowled out for 407.
India's decision to declare their second innings raised some eyebrows, with some questioning whether they had left it too late. However, Shubman Gill's record-breaking performance and India's strong bowling attack have put them firmly in the driver's seat.
As England face a near-impossible task on the final day, they will need to show tremendous resilience and determination to salvage a draw or pull off an improbable victory. The pressure is on the remaining batsmen to defy the odds and withstand the relentless Indian attack. India, on the other hand, will be looking to maintain their dominance and secure the seven wickets they need to level the series 1-1.
