IND Vs ENG Test Series July 7 Dispatch: India Demolish Fort Edgbaston; Bumrah, Attkinson Return

India bounced back in style at Edgbaston, defeating England by a massive 336 runs to level the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 1-1. After leaving out Jasprit Bumrah and losing the toss, the visitors overcame early challenges to register their first-ever win at this venue.

The victory was headlined by Akash Deep’s sensational match figures of 10 wickets and Shubman Gill’s record-breaking 430 runs across two innings, including a double century and a century. Fittingly, Gill completed the win by taking the final catch off Akash Deep’s bowling, sealing a memorable match for both.

Shubman Gill Questions Conditions, Hails Pace Attack

While thrilled with the result, Gill raised concerns about the flat pitches and the quickly softening Dukes ball, which he believes takes away from the true essence of Test cricket in England. “It gets very difficult for the bowlers… If you know there is only 20 overs of any help and then you have to spend the rest of the day on the defensive, then the game loses its essence,” Gill said.

At the same time, he lauded his bowlers: “Akash bowled with so much heart… Prasidh also bowled very brilliantly even if he didn’t get as many wickets.”

Akash Deep’s Dream Performance

Akash Deep, stepping in for Bumrah, delivered one of the most impactful performances by an Indian pacer in England. His 6 for 99 in the second innings capped a maiden 10-wicket haul, drawing comparisons with Chetan Sharma’s feat from 1986. His use of angles, lengths and subtle movement proved decisive on a surface offering little assistance. “He was just magnificent for us,” Gill praised.

England Rues Toss And Tactics

England coach Brendon McCullum admitted they misread conditions by opting to bowl first, expecting the surface to deteriorate as it had at Headingley. “We probably got it slightly wrong,” McCullum conceded. Despite having India 200 for 5 on Day 1, England couldn’t capitalise, and the game slipped away. The combination of a big first-innings score and sharp new-ball bursts left them chasing the match throughout.

England’s Bowling Refresh And Atkinson Call-Up

With the seamers tiring after heavy workloads — Woakes, Tongue, and Carse all bowled 77+ overs across two Tests — England have drafted Gus Atkinson into the squad for Lord’s. Atkinson joins Archer, Cook, and Overton in the mix as potential changes loom. Archer’s comeback appears near after regular spells at Edgbaston.

Bumrah Returns For Lord’s Challenge

India will be bolstered by the return of Jasprit Bumrah for the third Test at Lord’s starting July 10. Gill confirmed his comeback: “Definitely. Very excited for that… no bigger honour than to captain your country at Lord’s.” Bumrah’s fresh legs will be key as India seek to build on their Edgbaston momentum.