The stage is set for an electrifying clash as India and England lock horns in the second Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Edgbaston, Birmingham, from July 2 to July 6, 2025. With England riding high after a stunning 5-wicket victory in the first Test at Headingley, chasing down a record 371 runs, India, led by captain Shubman Gill, face the challenge of levelling the series in this crucial encounter, part of the 2025–2027 ICC World Test Championship.
England Defeated India in 1st Test Match
England’s triumph in Leeds, powered by Ben Duckett’s sensational 149 and contributions from Joe Root (53) and Jamie Smith (44), exposed India’s vulnerabilities, particularly their fielding lapses (six dropped catches) and lower-order collapses. India’s second innings crumbled from 333/4 to 364, losing six wickets for 31 runs, a recurring issue that cost them despite five centuries from Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant (who scored twin tons).
Head coach Gautam Gambhir and Gill have emphasised addressing these shortcomings, with Gill noting post-match, “We dropped catches, and our lower order didn’t contribute enough. We need to rectify this in upcoming matches.”
England, under Ben Stokes’ aggressive ‘Bazball’ leadership, will look to capitalize on their momentum. Their batting depth, bolstered by Ollie Pope (106 in the first Test), Harry Brook (99), and Root’s calming presence, makes them formidable. However, India’s bowling, led by Jasprit Bumrah (5-83 in England’s first innings), remains a threat, though his limited participation (expected to play only three Tests) puts pressure on Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Shardul Thakur to step up.
Also Read: India vs England Test Series 2025: Complete Schedule, Squads & Match Timings
India vs England 2nd Test Venue and Conditions
Edgbaston, known for its lively pitch early on, typically offers pace and bounce, favouring seamers like Bumrah and England’s Chris Woakes or Brydon Carse. The pitch tends to flatten out, potentially suiting India’s batsmen, who thrived in Leeds (471 and 364). Weather forecasts suggest partly cloudy skies with temperatures around 20–25°C, ideal for Test cricket, though light showers could interrupt play, as seen in Leeds. The highest successful chase at Edgbaston is South Africa’s 281/8 in 2008, suggesting a result-oriented venue.
Team News and Possible XIs
India: The team is likely to retain its core, but changes are possible after the first Test’s bowling and fielding struggles. Harshit Rana, added to the squad before the first Test, could debut if India opt for an extra seamer, potentially replacing Thakur, whose all-round contribution was underwhelming. Sai Sudharsan, despite a debut duck, is expected to retain his spot, with KL Rahul (137) and Pant (134, 118) in fine form. Yashasvi Jaiswal, reprimanded for an unspecified incident in Leeds, will aim to sharpen his fielding after dropped catches. Spin options Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav may see more action if the pitch turns later.
Possible XI: Shubman Gill (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Rishabh Pant (vc, wk), Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana/Kuldeep Yadav.
England: England may welcome back Jofra Archer, who bowled 17 overs for Sussex recently, signaling a potential return after a four-year Test absence. His inclusion could replace Josh Tongue or Shoaib Bashir, depending on pitch conditions. Ollie Pope’s form and Duckett’s confidence make England’s top order daunting, while Stokes’ all-round impact (4-66 in India’s first innings) remains pivotal. Jacob Bethell is unlikely to feature unless injuries arise.
Possible XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer/Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir.
Key Battles to Watch
Ben Duckett vs. Jasprit Bumrah: Duckett’s 149 neutralized Bumrah in Leeds, but with Bumrah’s ability to exploit Edgbaston’s bounce, this duel could set the tone.
Yashasvi Jaiswal vs. England’s Seamers: Jaiswal’s 101 in the first Test showcased his class, but early movement from Woakes or Archer could test his technique.
Ravindra Jadeja vs. Joe Root: Jadeja struggled in Leeds, conceding runs to Duckett. Root, with 210 career catches and a knack for handling spin, will be a critical wicket.
Shubman Gill’s Captaincy: Gill’s tactical errors, like underusing Siraj and burning reviews, drew criticism. His ability to adapt against Stokes’ aggressive tactics will be crucial.
Players to Watch
Rishabh Pant (India): His twin centuries in Leeds, including becoming the first Indian wicketkeeper to score tons in both innings, make him India’s X-factor. His 73.81 strike rate and 62 sixes in the WTC highlight his game-changing ability.
Harry Brook (England): After a heartbreaking 99 in Leeds, Brook’s 57.18 average and 89.75 strike rate in recent Tests make him a danger at his home ground.
Jasprit Bumrah (India): With 14 five-wicket hauls in 46 Tests, Bumrah’s first-innings fifer in Leeds underlines his importance, especially with limited matches left.
India vs England 2nd Test Prediction
England enter as favorites, buoyed by their Headingley heroics and home advantage. However, India’s batting firepower and Bumrah’s brilliance keep them in contention. If India tightens their fielding and avoid lower-order collapses, they could push for a draw or even a win. A high-scoring affair is likely, with the team batting first aiming for 400+. The match’s outcome may hinge on early wickets and how spinners fare on Days 4 and 5.
Where to Watch India vs England 2nd Test
In India, live streaming will be available on JioHotstar, with telecast on Sony Sports 1, 3, 4, 5 (and HD channels) starting at 3:30 PM IST daily. UK viewers can tune into Sky Sports or TNT Sports.
With tickets for Days 1–4 nearly sold out and hospitality packages in demand, Edgbaston promises a charged atmosphere. As both teams vie for World Test Championship points (England: 12, India: 0), this Test could define the series’ trajectory.