An entertaining, well-balanced day at Edgbaston, Birmingham. Captain Shubman Gill's unbeaten century keeps India in a respectable position at the end of Day 1. 

After the departure of KL Rahul within the initial ten overs of the match, England pushed one step ahead in the first session. The other opener, Yashasvi Jaiswal, relied on his natural aggressive game, staking runs by runs to pull the team out from the unplanned situation. Karun Nair at number three and Jaiswal able to stabilize the innings after the sudden impact. Nair departed after a useful 31-run innings. When the second wicket partnership broke, India had gone from 15-1 to 95-2 in 23.3 overs. 

England got the important wicket of Jaiswal 

The following session was relatively more successful for the England bowlers as they clinched the wicket of Yashasvi Jaiswal. Jaiswal was very close to achieving his Test hundred, but a mere cut shot caused his wicket on 87 after facing 107 deliveries. The southpaw's dismissal could be a proper example of lack of concentration. Before miscued the shot, Jaiswal faced just 10 balls off the 6 overs. Gill's 114-run not-out innings solidifies India's hope to get a handsome-looking total on the scoreboard. So far, his innings is filled with multiple sublime stories. Vice captain Rishabh Pant was also looking in the mood to score another big innings, but his adventurous nature again summoned a rough patch for him and the team. Went to take on Shoaib Bashir, Pant went back to the hut for only 25. Nitish Kumar Reddy scored only 1 run. 

Read More: WATCH: Ben Stokes and Yashasvi Jaiswal get involved in verbal spat during ENG vs IND 2nd Test

India will start Day 2 with Gill and experienced Ravindra Jadeja. The all-rounder has a golden chance to complete a Test 50 in a crucial moment, only 9 runs away from the mark. England will try to break the partnership between Gill and Jadeja as soon as possible on Day 2.

ENG vs IND 2nd Test Day 1 scoreboard in brief

A much-relieved knock from Yashasvi Jaiswal, a timely half-century. Team India needed someone who could stand tall after the early dismissal of KL Rahul. Jaiswal again proved why he is considered one of the biggest talents in world cricket.

Team India was in a tight situation before the drinks break; Rahul went for only 2, Karun Nair came into the crease at number 3, and India has started to build their momentum from here. Oozing with confidence, the 23-year-old opener played its own version of counterattack against the creator of Bazball.

Instead of slowing down the pace of his innings, he chose to swing the blade. The southpaw smashed back-to-back two boundaries to complete his Test 50. In the fourth delivery of the 22nd over, England pacer Josh Tongue delivered a wide, short-of-a-length delivery to be picked by Jaiswal for a sublime hit. On his toes, the opener played a cut shot through backward point to complete his 11th half-century in the Whites.

Read More: WATCH: Ravi Shastri lashes out at India after they rested Jasprit Bumrah for ENG vs IND 2025 2nd Test

Jaiswal shifted the gears at the right time

With this fifty against England, Jaiswal averages over 80. The Uttar Pradesh-born cricketer has been in fine touch from the beginning of the five-match Test series. In the first match at Headingley, the left-hander played a 104-run innings. 

Before the beginning of the series, during the practice matches of England Lions and India 'A,' his form caused some worries among Indian cricket fans. But when the moment came, Jaiswal delivered. Before the launch, team India lost a couple of wickets for 98 runs. KL Rahul (2) and Karun Nair (31) lost their wickets. India will start their innings again with 98 on the board and Jaiswal on the crease with 62 not out. 

INDIA 98/2 AT DAY 1 LUNCH.

YASHASVI JAISWAL TOP SCORES WITH 62*(69).
KARUN NAIR DEPARTS FOR 31 OFF 50.

WOAKES & CARSE WITH 1 WICKET EACH.#ENGvIND #Edgbaston pic.twitter.com/s0iFR6Vjdp

— 🅒🅡🅘︎🅒︎🄲🅁🄰🅉🅈𝗠𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗨™ 🇮🇳❤️ (@MSDianMrigu) July 2, 2025

🌟 YASHASVI JAISWAL🌟

You may troll him for his fielding which is fair enough but You can't deny the fact that he is the one who gives us a much needed and appropriate start.
Perfect option for opener #ENGvIND #YashasviJaiswal pic.twitter.com/DhpglMIM3O

— MeetMsdian_07 (@MeetMsdian_07) July 2, 2025

Yashasvi Jaiswal please Fielding me bhi yahi kamal karna 😬

#INDvENG pic.twitter.com/ZlRZbqvg3a

— Sarcasm (@sarcastic_us) July 2, 2025

Yashasvi Jaiswal: redefining consistency at the top! 16 fifty-plus scores in 21 Tests – a star shining bright for India #INDvENG #YashasviJaiswal #TeamIndia https://t.co/dafTxdvO6f

— Neha Thakur (@NehaThakur13827) July 2, 2025

Yashasvi Jaiswal continues his fine form with the bat 👌👌

The #TeamIndia opener reaches his 11th Test FIFTY with a stylish four 🙌

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/Oxhg97g4BF#ENGvIND | @ybj_19 pic.twitter.com/QKLUDnUA4w

— BCCI (@BCCI) July 2, 2025

The second Test of the ongoing five-match series between India and England is being held at Edgbaston in Birmingham. On Day 1 of the match, both teams wore black armbands as a mark of respect for former England cricketer Wayne Larkins, who passed away on June 28. Larkins, fondly known as “Ned,” had a respected international career, playing 13 Tests and 25 ODIs for England between 1979 and 1991. His contributions to English cricket were remembered by players and fans alike.

Wayne Larkins is best remembered for hitting the winning runs in England’s iconic victory over the West Indies at Sabina Park in 1990. He was also a standout performer in domestic cricket for Northamptonshire and later Durham. His passing left the cricketing world mourning the loss of a dedicated and talented sportsman. As a tribute, players from both India and England paid homage by donning black armbands, honoring his legacy on the first day of the Edgbaston Test.

See Also: Why is Jasprit Bumrah not playing today's ENG vs IND 2025 2nd Test?

This is not the first instance of players wearing black armbands during the series. In the first Test at Headingley, which took place from June 20 to 24, players also observed similar tributes. On Day 1, they honored the victims of the Ahmedabad plane crash, while on Day 3 and Day 5, they remembered former cricketers David Lawrence and Dilip Doshi, respectively. These gestures reflect the teams' deep respect for the cricketing community and those affected by tragedy.

Why #India And #England Players Are Wearing Black Armbands On Day 1 Of Edgbaston Test?#INDvsENG #IndianCricketTeam #EnglandCricket #TestCricket https://t.co/VV8piiRRB4

— News18 CricketNext (@cricketnext) July 2, 2025

Wayne Larkins’ record for England

Wayne Larkins represented England in 13 Test matches and 25 One-Day Internationals between 1979 and 1991. During his international career, he scored 493 runs in Tests and 591 runs in ODIs. Known for his aggressive batting style, Larkins was a dependable top-order batter who often provided solid starts. His contributions, though limited in appearances, were valued by the English side during a competitive era. He also enjoyed a successful domestic career, particularly with Northamptonshire and later with Durham.

Larkins made his international debut for England on June 20, 1979, in an ODI against New Zealand in Manchester. His final appearance came over a decade later, in an ODI against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on January 10, 1991. Throughout his career, he was known for his fearless approach and ability to take on fast bowlers. Despite limited international opportunities, he left a mark with key performances and remained a popular figure in county cricket until his retirement.

England to bowl first after winning toss in ENG vs IND 2nd Test

England captain Ben Stokes won the toss on Wednesday, July 2, and chose to bowl first in the second Test of the ongoing five-match series against India at Edgbaston. England fielded the same playing XI that secured a five-wicket win in the first Test at Headingley. In contrast, the Indian team made three changes to their lineup. Jasprit Bumrah, B Sai Sudharsan, and Shardul Thakur were left out, with Akash Deep, Washington Sundar, and Nitish Kumar Reddy named as their replacements.

Jasprit Bumrah, who starred as India’s best bowler in the series opener, has been rested for the Edgbaston Test as part of workload management. The team management confirmed that the pace spearhead is expected to return for the third Test, which will be held at Lord’s from July 10 to 14. The rotation is part of a strategy to manage player fitness across the grueling five-match series. With Bumrah sitting out, debutant Akash Deep gets a chance to showcase his talent, while Sundar and Reddy offer fresh options in both the batting and bowling departments.

KL Rahul was in utter disbelief. He couldn't believe that Chris Woakes took his wicket in this manner. Rahul was walking slowly while leaving the crease, watching his dismissal on the giant screen. KL was surprised by the sudden bounce Woakes generated from the pitch of Edgbaston. 

Team India has stepped into the field with the target to level the series, as the host team was victorious in the first of the five-match Test series in Headingley. In that match, KL Rahul proved his importance with a century. The opening pair of the right-handed and Yashasvi Jaiswal looked solid on top of the batting lineup against England. But this time, the versatile batter could not believe his fate. Rahul departed for only 2 after facing 26 deliveries. 

The experienced England pacer hit the back of the length in the fourth ball of the 9th over of the first innings. He targeted the top of the off stump with extra elevation to offer to guard the batter. Rahul was not expecting that bounce. His reaction was on the slower side; by the time the ball took an under edge and crashed on the middle stump—KL Rahul bowled out, India 15/1. 

Read More: Ravichandran Ashwin questions Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill focus on taking 20 wickets

The behavior of the surface in Edgbaston was predicted. Under a cloudy sky, with grass on the pitch, it was predicted that the pacer on Day 1 might get extra assistance with the shiny red ball. Brigham is not known as a hunting ground for the spinners; mostly, the pacer got most from the pitch. The extra bounce and swing seamers find on a fresh Edgbaston ground cause headaches for batters. KL Rahul's dismissal was not a case of exception. 

Woakes drew the first blood of the match before the drinks. When Indian batters were trying to accustom themselves to the conditions, the fast bowler smiled. Before the drinks break, India was one down for 37. Karun Nair came to bat as the number 3 batter, where Sai Sudharsan flopped in Leeds. India made three changes for the second game. Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, and Akash Deep replace Sai Sudharsan, Shardul Thakur, and Jasprit Bumrah. 

Watch the wicket-taking delivery here 

KL Rahul always gets into trouble when he is defensive! Got runs when he was confident in the 1st Test

Another tentative prod led to his dismissal today #INDvENG #INDvsENG #ENGvIND #ENGvsIND

pic.twitter.com/38MXZ04ITM

— Cricketism (@MidnightMusinng) July 2, 2025

Team India, with Shubman Gill as their captain, is here in Edgbaston with the target to level the series. England will be more confident after winning the first match of the series by chasing a 371-run target. 

As per the weather forecast, a cloudy sky over the Edgbaston stadium and a temperature around 15°C, but no rain so far. There is some grass over the wicket. The team bowling first will definitely look to clinch some wickets with the duke ball. Fast bowlers can get swings and extra bounce from the track. The pitch will gradually become flat as the game progresses, and by Day 2 and Day 3, the batsman can get some opportunity to pile up runs. In the last couple of days, if rain does not come to join the party, spinners can get some chances to turn the ball. Traditionally, the wicket of Birmingham is not known as the spinner's paradise. After winning the first Test, chasing 371, the host did not make any changes in their playing combination for the second of the five-match series. Chris Woakes will lead the bowling department of England, supported by Josh Tongue and Brydon and Shoaib Bashir as the lone specialist spinner. On the other side, India made multiple changes including Akash Deep in place of Jasprit Bumrah.  

Here, the toss can be recognized as the crucial factor, as out of 56 tests, 29 were won by the first batting team and 12 went to the second batting team. India has lost seven matches out of eight matches in Birmingham, and one ended in a draw. 

Read More: ENG vs IND 2025: What India needs to do to win 2nd Test match against England?

Former batting coach of team India, Sanjay Bangar's advice for team India: "It's very important not to drop catches. It makes the job of the bowling department that much tougher. But here I would say that this is also a fresh step forward for India. And wherever Yashasvi actually fields—basically, gully is a position in cricket that is a very, very specialized position.'

The Toss:

England won the toss and elected to bowl first. 

Team line-up 

England XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir. 

India XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Karun Nair, Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna. 

Former England captain Joe Root is within reach of equalling a remarkable Test record held by two of the game's greatest all-time players—Ricky Ponting and Jacques Kallis. As England prepares for the second Test in the current five-match series against India, everyone will be watching Root, who is just one fifty-plus score behind the elite pair. There is no doubt that Joe Root's reliability with the bat has marked him out among the modern greats, and should he earn another fifty as his 103rd Test fifty-plus score, it would reaffirm his stature as a long-term high-class performer in the longest form of the game.

At present, Root has had 102 scores of fifty or more in Test cricket, while both Ponting and Kallis retired with 103 to their names, while only Sachin Tendulkar (119 fifty-plus scores) out-ranks them both. The ability to perform under pressure and his solid technique saw Root racking up 13,087 Test runs at an average of 50.92, placing him among England's best/fingers (reliabilities and proven performers) during several generations of players.

Also Read: 4 Players from ENG vs IND 2025 series who also featured in 2014 tour ft Ravindra Jadeja

In the first Test of the series at Headingley, Root helped with scores of 28 and an unbeaten 53*, as England chased 371. Reassured by this form, the 34-year-old will be looking to make history in the second Test at Edgbaston. A big innings could see him equal or even overtake the tallies of Ponting and Kallis, solidifying his modern legend status. The milestone awaits, and the stage is perfectly set for Root to rise once again.

England lead Test series 1-0

England took a 1-0 lead in the five-match Test series with a convincing five-wicket victory at Headingley. Despite trailing by a small margin after the first innings, the hosts maintained control and chased down a daunting 371-run target with confidence. Ben Duckett starred with the bat, scoring 62 and a match-winning 149, earning him the Player of the Match award. Key contributions also came from Ollie Pope, Harry Brook, skipper Ben Stokes, and pacer Josh Tongue, showcasing the team's all-round strength.

Looking ahead to the second Test at Edgbaston, the Stokes-led England side will aim to extend their lead. The management has backed the same playing XI that featured in the series opener, reflecting their trust in the current squad. Meanwhile, India, under the leadership of Shubman Gill, will need to address key areas and deliver a more polished performance. The visitors will be keen to bounce back strongly and level the series, but they’ll have to bring their A-game to challenge a confident and in-form English team.

A promising start ended in disappointment. Team India could've easily won the first of the five-match Test series against England. Due to multiple reasons—collapse in lower batting order, poor fielding, and inappropriate back-up for Jasprit Bumrah—India lost the Headingley Test. What will they need to do to bounce back in the second Test (July 2-July 6) in Edgbaston, Birmingham? From July 2 to July 6, days are allocated for the second test; the forecast for rain is already on the table. As the pitch of Edgbaston can be a little bit unpredictable, like the weather, tossing can take a crucial role. But the decisive factor will be how the team performs.

KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant were the four pillars to shape both innings in Headingley. Apart from these four batters, at least another batsman needs to take a step forward. Number 3, where Sai Sudharsan was positioned during the first match of the series, definitely deserves to generate more numbers. But the main focus can be after number 4 or number 5. Because India's batting line-up staggered after the departures of the top 4 or 5 batters. Karun Nair, batting at number 6, misread the situation and couldn't perform according to that. So, if the team loses multiple top- or middle-order wickets, then the batter comes to the crease at number 6 or 7, needs to understand his situation, and should have a clear view in mind of how to bat under such situations. Nair, 33, was probably not clear about his role in both Innings in Leeds. 

Jasprit Bumrah is undoubtedly the best pacer Team India has right now. But the other bowlers in the squad too have the talent and skill set to shine in English conditions. Like the batting part, bowlers also have to understand the situation and the team looking for them to deliver. For a limited overs match, a one-man show can shift the momentum of the match, but in Test, cricketers have to show resilience and temperament. In the last match, Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj produced some exciting spells, but those were not in a continuous form. Bumrah's ability to maintain his rhythm with a proper mindset makes him more lethal. Bowlers need to create traps to capture the opponent team's batters. Creating a trap can take more than an over through variations of swings and choosing proper line and length; it depends on the credibility of the batsman and the bowler equally. 

Read More: Ravichandran Ashwin questions Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill's focus on taking 20 wickets

The result of the Headingley Test could be different if India utilized all of their fielding chances. Multiple drop catches can be avoided through practice and focus. As per previous reports, Captain Shubman Gill and his boys had worked on their fielding skills for multiple days to overcome their uncanny mistakes while fielding. 

Four points Team India should maintain to win the 2nd Test:

1) Understand the situation. 

2) Resilience 

3) Self-confidence 

4) Vision 

The above-mentioned four points can be applied to every department. Understanding the situation, like the form of the batters or bowlers, the scoreboard, the behavior of the surface, and the nature, will have to be understood through ball knowledge. Advice from the senior players like KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah can be useful for the young guns like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan. 

Test cricket also tests a player's mind; the game combined with techniques and skills can be turned into a mind game. Rahul, Gill, Jaiswal, Pant, and Bumrah got individual success in Leeds because of their resilience. 

Over the years India emerged as one of the teams which contained multiple world class fielders. But the way they performed in Headingley, especially Jaiswal, that was out of the equation. Extreme pressure can force even a worldclass player to make mistakes. For the ongoing England series, BCCI formed a new look Team India with multiple young players. They have to learn how to maintain their self confidence, no matter what the situation is. 

Example: 

For example, Ben Duckett. He came and understood the situation first. With his resilience, he remained on the track and produced sweep shots when he was confident enough about his game. Duckett's match-winning innings was a combination of understanding the situation, showing resilience, making himself confident, and having a clear vision in mind. The 149-run Innings by the 30-year-old opener helped the host team to chase down a mammoth 371-run target. 

Veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has come out strongly in defence of the Indian bowling unit following criticism after the team’s defeat to England in the first Test at Headingley. Despite setting a formidable target of 370, India couldn’t seal the win as England pulled off a record fourth-innings chase, prompting many to question the effectiveness of India’s bowlers.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin pushed back against what he felt was an imbalanced narrative that unfairly blamed the bowlers. “Once 370 was chased down, I thought the commentary became a diss about the Indian bowlers. But with a little homework, many would have realised that in England, scores have been consistently chased down in the 4th innings,” he explained.

Ashwin was also critical of India’s batting, highlighting that the top order failed to build on solid starts despite registering five centuries across both innings. “Batters should take up responsibility. I know batsmen are making runs. Yes, we had five centurions, but where are the daddy hundreds? We must accept that the lower order won’t contribute much with the bat. Our fast bowlers cannot be expected to score runs,” he stated bluntly.

ALSO SEE: Mohammed Shami ordered to pay ₹4 lakh alimony – Know the reason

Ashwin Urges Bowlers to Focus on Economy: "Build Pressure from Day 1"

Ashwin further stressed the importance of control and economy in Test cricket, especially when defending totals in the fourth innings. “In Tests, maidens are underrated. Bumrah can afford a higher economy rate, but the others need to bowl tighter. If you give runs freely early on, you’re forced to go defensive later. You have to build the pressure from Day 1,” he said.

Calling on bowlers to adopt a more disciplined approach, Ashwin added, “If I were Morkel, I’d tell others to focus on bowling tight lines and let Bumrah attack. Against this England side, even two runs per over is as good as bowling a maiden.” Ashwin’s comments offer a stark reminder that while bowlers often face the heat, it takes a collective effort across departments to win Test matches, especially in modern-day England.

England skipper Ben Stokes has shrugged off the talk around Jasprit Bumrah’s workload and availability for the remainder of the Test series, calling it “India’s problem to deal with.” Speaking ahead of the second Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, starting July 2 in Birmingham, Stokes said he remains focused on leading his own side and expects a spirited fight from the visitors regardless of who takes the field for India.

India had announced before the series that Bumrah would only feature in three of the five Tests due to workload management concerns. The premier fast bowler bowled 44 overs in the first Test at Headingley and was India’s best performer with the ball. However, with the team losing the opener from a dominant position, his presence or absence has become a hot topic ahead of the second match.

Stokes is not worried about Bumrah, expects tough fight from India

But Stokes made it clear he isn’t concerned. “That’s India’s problem. They will deal with it. I am the captain of England,” he said in a pre-match press conference. Despite Bumrah possibly being rested, Stokes isn’t underestimating the opposition. “They’re a good team. They always fight hard. very passionate. We don’t take anything from last week for granted. We start at 0-0 again,” he said.

Watch the video:

#INDvsENG | 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Ben Stokes on Jasprit Bumrah 🇮🇳

Whether or not Bumrah plays, England is prepping like he’s in — a sign of the threat he carries.

(📹 @Sahil_Malhotra1) pic.twitter.com/Tm6jZg0yfP

— TOI Sports (@toisports) July 1, 2025

ALSO SEE: Future Asia Cup hosts revealed: Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka to share duties

Stokes also acknowledged the pressure Indian players face, noting, “There’s always pressure on international athletes, but when you play for India, it’s probably a bit more than any other nation. They’re a proud nation.”

With Bumrah unlikely to play, Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh are in contention to replace him in the Indian XI. Meanwhile, England have retained the same playing XI from Leeds, though Jofra Archer has rejoined the squad in a non-playing capacity.

On his own fitness, Stokes revealed he feels “better than ever” after recovering from a tiring first Test. “I was a shadow of myself for a few days, but I’m back now and ready to go.”

The 'fortress of team England,' Edgbaston Stadium, is all set to host the second of five Test match series from today (July 2). The weather in England is highly unpredictable; cloudy skies or the threat of rain are always there.

In a five-day match, weather can play a big role. Along with the weather, the surface of Birmingham can also be tricky for both teams. Day by day, the condition of the pitch can be influenced by the weather. According to the previous stats, the team bowling first had more success at Edgbaston, winning 23 out of 56 tests. Some reports suggested that a fair amount of grass can be seen on the surface. If the reports are to be believed, then the Pacers can get some extra assists from the wicket.

According to the weather reports by AccuWeather, Day 1 of the second test has a high chance of rain. So, a wicket with grass and an overcast condition can work for the bowl-first team. Day 2 and Day 3, when the pitch can get flat, will be helpful for batters, and on these days, chances of rain are much lower than on Day 1. As of now, there are no chances of rain on Day 3.

Read More: Sweeping changes on the cards as Sai Sudharsan likely to miss out on the Edgbaston Test

Last couple of days can be crucial for both ends

Clouds can return from Day 4 and Day 5. On the remaining couple of days, when spinners can get an opportunity to shine, the chance of clouds covering the Birmingham sky is 98 percent on Day 4 and 78 percent on the last day of the game. It can be a very interesting situation. Due to repeated chances of rain, the viewers can witness multiple pauses, and the match can lose its continuous motion.

England will step into the field after winning the first Test in Headingley, Leeds. India will look to make a bounce back and level the series. But they may have to battle with the weather conditions along with the opponent side.