Image: Debasis Sen
-Debasis Sen from Birmingham
Moments after the close of play on Day 4 of the second Test at Edgbaston, Team India Head Coach Gautam Gambhir and Batting Coach Shitanshu Kotak were seen walking towards the pitch. Gambhir, animated in conversation, pointed towards the rough areas near the bowlers’ footmarks — perhaps discussing strategies to exploit them on the final day. Despite a surface that has largely favoured the batters and only occasionally offered something for the bowlers with the new ball, India will be eyeing a historic win at this venue, where they have never won a Test before.
With 1493 runs already scored in the match, this has been a run-fest. India piled up 587 in the first innings, with England replying with a strong 407. The visitors then declared at 427/6 in their second innings, setting a daunting target of 608 for the hosts. England, who were 71/3 at stumps on Day 4, need another 536 runs on the final day. It’s a near-impossible chase, especially on a wearing surface that is beginning to show signs of variable bounce.
The pitch has not offered consistent assistance to the bowlers, but Akashdeep Singh did manage to produce two absolute snorters late on Day 4 to dismiss Ben Duckett and Joe Root. With the ball still relatively new—just 16 overs old—the first hour of Day 5 will be crucial for India’s fast bowlers to make inroads.
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However, weather might play spoilsport, with rain showers expected to interrupt play and further reduce India’s chances of bowling England out. Much will depend on early breakthroughs and pressure from both ends.
For England, the million-dollar question remains: Will they attempt the impossible and chase down 536, or is it about looking out for a draw? The scenario is reminiscent of their heroic chase at Trent Bridge in 2022, when Jonny Bairstow’s post-tea blitz led them to a thrilling win. But Edgbaston 2025 presents a far stiffer challenge.
Realistically, England’s best hope is to bat out the day and retain their 1-0 series lead. With seven
wickets in hand, survival is achievable, but India will throw everything they have for a result. The
final day promises to be a gripping contest of patience, pressure, and tactics.
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