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IIE DIGITAL DESK : India enters Day Two of the second Test against England at Edgbaston on a solid footing, resuming on 311/5 after a day dominated by captain Shubman Gill’s composed unbeaten century (114 off 216 balls) and Ravindra Jadeja’s steady 41* .With sunny yet temperate conditions prevailing—around 19 °C under clear skies—the stage is set for England to swing momentum their way, while India aims to convert advantage into long-term control .

Shubman Gill has now notched centuries in his first two Tests as captain, joining the illustrious ranks of Sunil Gavaskar and Virat Kohli. His undefeated 114—marked by patient accumulation rather than flourish—stemmed the early tide after India slipped to 211/5. Partnering with Jadeja, Gill crafted a crucial 99-run stand, solidifying India’s position and silencing doubts about resting spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.

English pacer Chris Woakes expressed visible frustration after two DRS reviews featuring Yashasvi Jaiswal and Karun Nair were upheld only due to the dreaded “umpire’s call,” denying England what could have been vital wickets early in the innings .These marginal decisions allowed India to build much-needed partnerships, reinforcing their grip on the game.

Opening batter Yashasvi Jaiswal played a commanding innings of 87, spearheading India’s early session before faltering to an inventive Ben Stokes delivery just short of a hundred . Although Stokes isn’t known for fierce pace, his cunning field placements paid off as he dismantled India’s rhythm.

India’s decision to rest Bumrah and introduce three all-rounders—Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Akash Deep—signaled a cautious approach geared toward the pitch’s batting-friendly character. It’s a strategic gamble: limit over-reliance on quicks early, then unleash pace later. With Kuldeep Yadav also absent, Day Two may test India’s depth, requiring bowlers to capitalize on subtle edges and keep England under pressure.

As the match begins, India looks to springboard toward a first-innings total between 380–420, aiming to put England firmly on the back foot. A healthy contribution from Ravindra Jadeja alongside Gill would push them closer to safety.

England, by contrast, will be eyeing early wickets through disciplined bowling from Woakes, Shoaib Bashir, Brydon Carse, and Josh Tongue, especially if there’s slight seam movement or variable bounce. Tactical captaincy from Ben Stokes—echoing his Botham-like wicket-creating prowess—could prove decisive .

This Test forms part of the India tour of England 2025, a five-match series crucial to the ICC World Test Championship cycle . With India trailing 1–0 after losing at Headingley, a strong showing here is essential, not only for series momentum but also for enhancing their WTC campaign.

India’s control of Day One is clear—their batters laid a solid base and capitalized on England’s misfortune. But the balance can shift quickly in test cricket. As the second day unfolds, both teams must stay alert: England hunting for breakthroughs, and India aiming to bat long, tire England out, and build an imposing total. The battle at Edgbaston promises to be as tactical as it is competitive.