The second Test of the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy between India and England is set to begin at Edgbaston in Birmingham from July 2. India, under the leadership of Shubman Gill, will be eager to stage a comeback after a five-wicket loss in the opening Test. Despite strong performances from the top order, it was the lower-order batting and a lackluster bowling effort — apart from Jasprit Bumrah — that let them down as England chased down a mammoth 371-run target on the final day.
Edgbaston is traditionally a venue that offers assistance to fast bowlers early on, especially when cloud cover is present. The pitch tends to flatten out by the middle of the game, offering batters better scoring opportunities. However, as the game progresses into Day 4 and 5, wear and tear on the surface can bring spinners into play with increasing rough and cracks.
Weather could play a key role in this Test. Day one is forecasted to be cloudy with possible rain and thunderstorms, while the next two days are expected to offer sunny and breezy conditions ideal for cricket. The fourth day might be interrupted by morning showers, and the fifth day appears the most weather-affected, with a high chance of intermittent rain under overcast skies.
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India are expected to rest Jasprit Bumrah as part of their workload management strategy. The ace pacer had earlier indicated he would feature in only three of the five Tests. His absence will be a major blow, especially after he claimed a five-wicket haul in the first match.
With the series finely poised, all eyes will now be on the individual battles that could shape the outcome of this crucial Test.
#1 Mohammed Siraj vs Ben Duckett
With Jasprit Bumrah expected to be rested for the second Test at Edgbaston, Mohammed Siraj will likely lead India’s pace attack. Siraj, though wicketless in key moments during the first Test, consistently challenged England’s batters. His contest with Ben Duckett will be one to watch — Duckett smashed a century in the Leeds chase and has dominated Siraj in Tests, scoring 108 runs off him without being dismissed.
#2 Rishabh Pant vs Shoaib Bashir
Rishabh Pant remains India’s X-factor. His twin tons at Headingley were the backbone of India’s total, and he took a particular liking to Shoaib Bashir, scoring 95 runs off him with seven sixes. Though Bashir dismissed him once, Pant’s aggressive approach against spin will again be key.
#3 Joe Root vs Prasidh Krishna
Joe Root’s clash with Prasidh Krishna could define England’s top order. Krishna took five wickets in the first Test but was expensive, conceding over six runs per over. Root, with 920 runs at 70.76 at Edgbaston and 904 runs at 75.33 against India in home Tests, could exploit Krishna’s lack of control if he doesn’t adjust quickly.
