Match Recap
India leveled the series in emphatic style with a 336-run victory at Edgbaston. They posted massive first-innings (587) and second-innings (427/6 decl.) totals, then bowled England out for 407 and 271.
India’s Performance: Expert Dissection
Batting
- Gill’s Double Ton: Shubman Gill’s 269 was a batting clinic, exploiting England’s tired attack and batting India into near-impregnable control.
- Lower-Order Contributions: Jadeja (89) and Sundar (71*) ensured India didn’t lose momentum after top-order wickets, a sharp contrast to the collapse in Leeds.
- Tactical Dominance: India leveraged Edgbaston’s batting-friendly conditions, denied England any psychological edge, and forced them to chase the game from Day 2.
Bowling
- Akash Deep’s Coming of Age: His 10 wickets marked a breakout performance, skillfully exploiting whatever assistance the Edgbaston pitch offered. Siraj’s six-wicket haul in the first innings was instrumental in opening up the game for India.
- Control and Penetration: Experts lauded India’s control with the new ball, particularly how both Siraj and Deep sustained pressure. England failed to find answers against India’s relentless, well-planned pace attack.
- Rested Attack, High Returns: Gill and the management’s decision to bring in a fresh attack paid dividends, as Indian bowlers executed clear game plans and dismantled England’s Bazball approach.
Expert Analysis
- Strategic Shift: Instead of chasing wickets with spin as in previous away tours, India doubled down on high-intensity pace bowling, hitting consistent lines and exploiting small cracks with discipline.
- Composure Under Pressure: India’s fielding and catching were night-and-day compared to Headingley. Crucial catches were held, and the bowlers were backed up in the field—a key factor in building and sustaining pressure.
