Former England skipper Michael Vaughan believes India are well on course to level the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, backing them to wrap up the second Test at Edgbaston after ending Day 3 with a commanding 244-run lead. With the series currently 1-0 in England’s favour, a win in Birmingham could set India up nicely for the third Test at Lord’s, especially with Jasprit Bumrah set to return.

India posted a massive 587 in their first innings, driven by a majestic 269 from captain Shubman Gill, along with substantial contributions from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ravindra Jadeja. Vaughan, speaking to Cricbuzz, felt India’s dominance across three days leaves little room for England to claw back.

WATCH – Rishabh Pant Launches Bat in Hilarious Mishap After Record-Breaking Six

“India should win this game. They’ve played with intensity and clarity, and if they carry this mindset forward, they’ll level the series. Bumrah is likely to return at Lord’s, probably replacing Prasidh Krishna,” Michael Vaughan said.

He stressed the importance of India pushing the lead further before declaring. “No one’s ever chased more than 420 in Test history. I think 450 is a base, but Shubman might want to touch 500 just to be sure. What I liked was how they came out late in the day and played their shots—there was intent and confidence.”

ALSO READ: Rishabh Pant Launches Bat in Hilarious Mishap After Record-Breaking Six

Vaughan also spoke from a captain’s perspective, urging India to leave England enough to chase on the final day but with early breakthroughs. “You don’t want England going into Day 5 none down. Give yourself time, get a few wickets late on Day 4, and the pressure builds.”

Despite heroic centuries from Harry Brook and Jamie Smith, Mohammed Siraj’s 6-wicket burst ensured India stayed ahead, heading into Day 4 with the game firmly under their control.