Author: Trisha Ghosal

Trisha Ghosal in Birmingham India dominated Day 2 of the second Test at Edgbaston, with Shubman Gill producing a breathtaking 269 — now the highest Test score by an Indian batter in England. The Indian captain, calm and commanding, led his side off the field having taken firm control of the match. But it wasn’t just Gill who made headlines. Ravindra Jadeja, ever the straight shooter, spoke with refreshing honesty at the press conference, offering sharp insights on the pitch, England’s tactics, and the mood in the Indian camp. On Ben Stokes Jadeja recounted a light moment on the field…

By Trisha Ghosal in Birmingham Edgbaston isn’t just a cricket ground for Chris Woakes. It’s home. It’s history. And on Day 1 of the second Test against India, it became something deeper — a place of memory and quiet tribute. Bowling first under brooding Birmingham skies, Woakes was handed the new ball by Ben Stokes. The task: to harness the swing-friendly conditions and put India on the back foot. The response: typically Woakes. Measured, metronomic, and masterful. His spell of 2 for 59 from 21 overs wasn’t about numbers. It was about presence. His control outside off, ability to move…

Trisha Ghosal in Birmingham India may have lost a couple of wickets after tea, but with Shubman Gill’s classy hundred and some handy partnerships around it, the visitors walked away slightly happier at stumps. England, who won the toss and opted to bowl, had their moments too—Chris Woakes bowled a masterful spell upfront, Karun Nair fell to a well-directed short ball, and the hosts picked up two wickets in a trice in the final session to peg India back. After play, Woakes addressed the media and reflected on England’s plans, execution, and frustrations. On choosing to bowl first England’s decision…

Trisha Ghosal in Birmingham India fought back strongly after early hiccups on Day 1, but it was England who edged the day. After opting to bowl, the hosts found early reward as Chris Woakes delivered a probing spell, dismissing KL Rahul early. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Karun Nair then fought back, only for Brydon Carse to strike late in the opening session. Jaiswal looked set for a ton, but a loose cut off Ben Stokes ended his promising knock on 87, triggering a mini-collapse. Despite that, Shubman Gill’s composed hundred and a stabilising stand with Ravindra Jadeja ensured India reached stumps…

By Trisha Ghosal in Birmingham Yesterday’s optional practice session for the Indian players turned into something quite special—not for the cricketers, but for a handful of club-level bowlers who found themselves with the chance of a lifetime. While it’s routine for teams to practice with local net bowlers, it remains a huge opportunity for those bowlers to test their skills against the best in the world. Of India’s regular bowling group, only Kuldeep Yadav turned up for the session, leaving the nets open primarily for about 5–6 local bowlers. After the practice wrapped up, I had the chance to chat…

Trisha Ghosal in Birmingham With the Edgbaston Test less than a day away, India’s optional practice session on Tuesday gave a few key hints about the likely playing XI, and one name might be missing. Karun Nair, who stood at first slip throughout yesterday’s training, was not present at the ground today. In contrast, Sai Sudharsan, who batted for a long stretch at the nets, was later seen taking a series of slip catches in the first slip position. It’s a subtle but telling sign. Slip catching practice usually reflects the expected match-day fielding positions. That Sai was in the…

Trisha Ghosal in Birmingham With India trailing 0-1 in the five-match Test series, skipper Shubman Gill addressed the media on the eve of the second Test. A mix of optimism and realism marked his words — especially on selection strategy, missed chances, and Jasprit Bumrah’s workload. Is Jasprit Bumrah Available for the Second Test? “Yes, Bumrah is available,” Gill confirmed straightaway. However, he followed it up with a telling statement: “We knew prior to the series that we would get Jasprit for three games. We have to look into this workload management,” Gill said, adding that the…

By Trisha Ghosal at Edgbaston In Birmingham’s early summer haze, at a quiet Edgbaston corner where stories of grit are born in silence, Mohammed Siraj was scripting one of his own. No noise, no theatrics—just an intense rhythm of effort, focus, and repetition. With India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah likely to miss the second Test, the stage may be set for Siraj to finally grab the baton. Not just as a workhorse but as a leader of the attack. And if today’s net session was anything to go by, Siraj knows it. He walked in, new cherry in hand, eyes…

By Trisha Ghosal in Birmingham After England’s commanding win in Leeds, India are back in recalibration mode ahead of the second Test at Edgbaston. Facing the media was Ryan ten Doeschate — India’s fielding coach and one of the key voices in the team’s think-tank. While he remained tight-lipped on the playing XI, his words hinted at significant changes, including a likely spin rebalancing and a familiar young all-rounder stepping into English Test conditions for the first time. Will Bumrah play the Second Test? The question that loomed largest was put to rest quickly. “He’s available,” confirmed ten Doeschate…

By Trisha Ghosal in Birmingham With England holding a 1-0 lead heading into the Edgbaston Test, Chris Woakes struck a sobering note about what lies ahead. “I’m sure again we’ll be looking at another good batting surface… so it might be a bit of a hard week for the bowlers,” he admitted, foreshadowing a physically demanding Test. The Headingley pitch, where India posted two fighting totals, already tested England’s bowlers. With a similarly flat pitch expected and clear skies around, Woakes hinted that tactical adjustments would be crucial: “We’ll look at things we did well last week and maybe things…