India vs England 2nd Test HIghlights | Akash Deep Shines as India Wins by 336 Runs

India Crushes England by 336 Runs in 2nd Test at Edgbaston

Shubman Gill’s Twin Tons, Akash Deep’s Heroics Seal Epic Win

In a stunning turnaround, India thrashed England by a massive 336 runs in the second Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 at Edgbaston, leveling the five-match series 1-1 in style. From Shubman Gill’s majestic centuries to Akash Deep’s six-wicket burst, Day 4 set the stage for a dominant finish on Day 5, leaving England overwhelmed and outclassed.

India’s Batting Masterclass: Gill and Co. Run Riot

The story of this Test began with India's towering first-innings score of 587, led by Shubman Gill’s elegant 129 and valuable support from KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant. That foundation proved crucial, as it forced England to play catch-up from Day 2.

However, it was India’s second innings declaration at 427/6, following another sublime ton from Shubman Gill, that truly sealed England’s fate. Batting on a surface that offered some uneven bounce and slow turn, Gill was in total control. His technique against both pace and spin was a clinic in modern Test batting.

Ravindra Jadeja’s gritty 73, KL Rahul’s patient 58, and Pant’s punchy 65 ensured India batted England completely out of the match. Skipper Gill’s aggressive decision to declare midway through Day 4 was bold—and it paid off handsomely.

England’s Fight Dissolves Under Pressure

Chasing an impossible target of 608 runs, England ended Day 4 at 72/3, with Ollie Pope and Harry Brook unbeaten but clearly under the pump. On Day 5, their resistance fell apart.

Zak Crawley was dismissed for a duck by Siraj, setting the tone. The real wrecking ball, however, was debutant Akash Deep, who tore through England’s top and lower order with incredible precision and pace. He ended with a dream spell of 6/99, the best by an Indian fast bowler on debut in England since Jasprit Bumrah.

Even though Jamie Smith (88) and Ben Stokes (33) tried to mount a late resistance, it never looked like a meaningful threat. England’s innings folded at 271, handing India one of their most comprehensive overseas wins in recent memory.

Akash Deep: A Star is Born

Picked over more experienced options, Akash Deep grabbed the opportunity with both hands. His rhythm, control, and seam movement exposed England’s vulnerabilities outside the subcontinent. His victims included Pope, Root, Brook, and Jamie Smith—four of England’s most promising batters.

What made Akash Deep’s performance even more special was his ability to maintain pressure from one end while Siraj and Krishna rotated from the other. His success not only secured this Test but may also have solved India’s third-seamer puzzle for the rest of the series.

Gill’s Maturity Shines Through

While Gill has long been touted as India’s future, this match might be remembered as the moment he came of age as a Test captain and batter. His twin centuries were scored with vastly different approaches—one measured and composed, the other authoritative and dominant.

His field placements and bowling rotations also drew praise. Gill introduced Washington Sundar at just the right time, and his call to hold back Jadeja until the lower order showed his growing tactical awareness.

It’s also worth noting how Gill backed Akash Deep aggressively from the slip cordon, often chatting between overs and keeping the youngster’s morale high.

England Left Searching for Answers

This match exposed some serious cracks in England’s new-look lineup. With Joe Root, Crawley, and Duckett failing to convert starts, the middle order was repeatedly under stress. Apart from Jamie Smith’s counter-attacking 88, there was little to cheer.

Skipper Ben Stokes appeared subdued, and his decision to bowl first backfired significantly. England now face a real test of character ahead of the third match at Lord’s.

Their bowling, too, lacked consistency. Josh Tongue and Brydon Carse bowled with spirit but without penetration, while Anderson seemed off his rhythm—perhaps showing signs of age on a lifeless Edgbaston surface.

Series Set for Fireworks at Lord’s

With the series now leveled at 1-1, the third Test at Lord’s is shaping up to be a blockbuster. Both teams have moments of brilliance and weaknesses to address. For India, the rise of Akash Deep and return to form for Gill are major positives. For England, finding the right bowling combo and strengthening the top order will be critical.

This win is not just about levelling the series; it's a momentum-shifter. India’s confidence is back. England? They’ve got homework to do.