The India vs England 2nd Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham, has already carved its place in cricket history with an enthralling start over the first two days. As of July 3, 2025, the match has showcased a remarkable display of batting prowess and a resilient bowling attack, setting the stage for an intense battle. At the heart of India’s dominance is Shubman Gill, whose record-breaking double hundred has rewritten the record books, while the Indian bowlers have made a strong start, putting England under pressure. This blog delves into the key moments from the first two days of this India vs England clash, highlighting Gill’s monumental innings and the bowlers’ impactful performance.
Shubman Gill’s Masterclass and India’s Solid Foundation
The opening day of the India vs England 2nd Test on July 2, 2025, belonged to Shubman Gill, who announced his arrival as a Test captain with a performance for the ages. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, India faced early challenges, but Gill’s composure and technical brilliance turned the game in their favor. His innings, which culminated in a majestic 269 runs off 387 balls, included 30 fours and 3 sixes, was a testament to his adaptability on a pitch that ESPNcricinfo described as the second-easiest for batting on Day 1 at Edgbaston since 2006.
Gill’s knock surpassed Sunil Gavaskar’s long-standing record of 221, the highest score by an Indian captain in Test cricket, and also became the highest score by an Indian batsman outside Asia. This feat was particularly significant as it marked the first time an Indian captain scored a double hundred in England. By tea on Day 1, Gill had reached 265, steering India to a strong position after a brief wobble at 211/5. His 203-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja, who remained unbeaten on 41 at stumps, was the cornerstone of India’s total of 340/3 by the end of the day, according to BBC Sport’s live updates.
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The pitch, rated 3.1/10 on PitchViz for its batting-friendly nature, allowed Gill to showcase his range of shots, from elegant cover drives to powerful pulls. His innings was not just about personal milestones but also about setting a platform for India. Despite England’s bowlers, led by Chris Woakes, managing to keep things tight in the final over with just two singles, the day ended with India in control. Gill’s 114 not out at stumps underscored his ability to anchor the innings, a trait that could prove decisive in this India vs England encounter.
Shubman Gill’s Record Falls, but Indian Bowlers Seize Control
Day 2 of the India vs England 2nd Test, played on July 3, 2025, began with high anticipation as Gill looked to extend his innings. However, his dismissal for 269, courtesy of a breakthrough from England’s Josh Tongue, ended a marathon effort. Yet, India’s momentum did not wane. The team declared their first innings at an imposing 587, a score that put England under immediate pressure. This declaration set the stage for the Indian bowlers to exploit the conditions, and they did so with aplomb.
The bowling attack, featuring pacers Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj, capitalized on the late-day conditions, which research from the Journal of Sports Sciences (2023) suggests often favor pacers due to dew and batsman fatigue. By stumps on Day 2, England were reeling at 77/3, trailing by 510 runs. This strong start from the Indian bowlers was a stark contrast to the batting dominance of Day 1, showcasing the team’s all-round strength.
Akash Deep and Siraj struck late in the day, dismissing key England batsmen and shifting the momentum decisively. The ICC’s post at 17:39 UTC (11:09 PM IST) captured this moment, with the image of a jubilant Indian player symbolizing the team’s resurgence. The pacers’ ability to take wickets in the final session highlighted their adaptability, especially on a pitch that had earlier favored batsmen. This performance echoed historical data from ESPNcricinfo, which noted that Edgbaston has seen teams batting second win the last four Tests, including England’s victory over India in 2022. However, India’s current bowling display suggests they might buck this trend.
England’s response was hampered by the early loss of wickets, with Harry Brook (26*) and Joe Root (18*) left to stabilize the innings. The deficit of 510 runs at stumps underscored the mountain they need to climb, a task made harder by the Indian bowlers’ relentless pressure. The conditions, combined with India’s strategic use of their pace attack, have given the visitors a psychological edge heading into Day 3.
Shubman Gill’s Historic Innings: A Captain’s Knock
Shubman Gill’s double hundred was more than just a statistical milestone; it was a statement of intent. Becoming the ninth visiting captain to score centuries in both the first and second Tests of a series in England, as per BBC Sport, Gill joined an elite list that includes cricketing legends. His innings was marked by resilience, especially after India teetered at 211/5. The 203-run stand with Jadeja not only rescued the innings but also allowed Gill to push past Gavaskar’s record.
The images from the ICC, showing Gill raising his bat and helmet in celebration, captured the emotion of the moment. His strike rate of 69.50 and the sheer volume of runs (269 off 387 balls) demonstrated a blend of caution and aggression. This performance was particularly notable given Gill’s recent form struggles, as detailed by Cricbuzz, where he endured a torrid run in the Border-Gavaskar series. His Edgbaston knock has silenced critics and reaffirmed his status as a prodigious talent turned leader.
Gill’s achievement also highlighted India’s batting depth. The team’s ability to post 587 runs, with contributions from other batsmen, showcased a collective effort. However, it was Gill’s captaincy and personal milestone that stole the spotlight, setting a challenging target for England and laying the groundwork for the bowlers’ success.
The Bowlers’ Impact: A Strong Start for India
While Gill’s bat dominated the narrative, the Indian bowlers ensured the story didn’t end there. The transition from batting to bowling on Day 2 was seamless, with Akash Deep and Siraj leading the charge. Their late strikes, as noted in the ICC’s update, were crucial in reducing England to 77/3. This performance aligns with the strategic decision to rely on pace, especially given the forecast of rain and the dry, grassy pitch described by ESPNcricinfo.
The bowlers’ success can be attributed to their ability to exploit the conditions late in the day. The Journal of Sports Sciences (2023) notes that dew and fatigue often tilt the balance toward bowlers in the final sessions, a factor India utilized effectively. Prasidh Krishna’s economical spell (0/7) further tightened the screws on England, leaving Brook and Root with a daunting task.
This strong start from the Indian bowlers contrasts with England’s historical advantage at Edgbaston. The venue’s recent trend of favoring teams batting second, as per ESPNcricinfo, adds context to India’s achievement. By dismissing three wickets early, the bowlers have disrupted England’s rhythm, a feat that could prove decisive if the pitch begins to assist spinners or pacers in the coming days.
Looking Ahead: What Lies in Store?As the India vs England 2nd Test progresses, the focus will shift to how England responds to their 510-run deficit. With Brook and Root at the crease, England will look to bat long and force a draw, a possibility hinted at by some analysts given the pitch’s nature. However, India’s all-round performance—led by Shubman Gill’s record-breaking double hundred and the bowlers’ strong start—puts them in a commanding position.
The weather forecast, including potential rain on Wednesday, as mentioned by ESPNcricinfo, could play a role, potentially leading to a draw if play is disrupted. Yet, India’s current form suggests they are well-equipped to press their advantage. The bowlers’ early success provides a platform for spinners like Ravindra Jadeja to exploit any turn, while the batting depth ensures flexibility in declarations.
Conclusion
The first two days of the India vs England 2nd Test have been a rollercoaster of emotions and performances. Shubman Gill’s record-breaking double hundred, the highest by an Indian captain and outside Asia, has set a new benchmark, overshadowing even the great Sunil Gavaskar. Coupled with the strong start from the Indian bowlers, who reduced England to 77/3, India has seized control of the match. As the game moves into Day 3, the battle at Edgbaston promises more drama, with Gill’s leadership and the bowlers’ tenacity likely to shape the outcome. This India vs England encounter is shaping up to be a classic, with every session adding to its legacy.
