England vs India 2nd Test Day 5: Match Report as Akash Deep’s Heroics Seal Historic Win, Series Levelled 1-1

In a performance that will echo through Indian cricket history, Akash Deep’s sensational ten-wicket haul powered India to a thumping 336-run triumph over England in the England vs India 2nd Test at Edgbaston.

This statement win not only brought the visitors level in the five-match series but also ended their long-standing hoodoo at Birmingham. The scale of victory—India’s biggest overseas win by runs—was built on a record-breaking batting effort and wrapped up by an aggressive, disciplined bowling display led by the young pacer.

Akash Deep Creates History With Best Match Figures by an Indian in England

On a surface that flattened out as the game progressed, Akash Deep carved out a masterclass in control and movement, recording match figures of 10 for 187—the best by an Indian in England. His second-innings spell of 6 for 99, a career-best, came with nerves of steel and pinpoint accuracy as he wrecked England’s hopes of survival on Day 5.

After a rain delay of over 90 minutes, the pacer started proceedings from the opposite end he bowled from on Day 4 but wasted no time making an impact. He cleaned up a hesitant Ollie Pope and followed it up with a sharp in-ducker that trapped Harry Brook plumb in front.

Persisting with a back-of-length plan, Akash also dismissed Jamie Smith—England’s final pillar of resistance—to complete his maiden Test five-for, later returning to dismiss Brydon Carse and claim his tenth scalp of the match.

England’s Fightback Falters Despite Jamie Smith’s 88

Despite the early setbacks, England found brief hope through Jamie Smith, who followed his first-innings 184* with a composed 88. Smith stood tall against short-pitched attacks, launching a couple of sixes off Akash, but his calculated aggression couldn’t prevent the inevitable. A miscued shot off another short delivery landed in the deep, ending his fight and England’s realistic chances of saving the match.

Ben Stokes too looked set for a gritty knock but was dismissed LBW by Washington Sundar just before lunch. His review was in vain, and with his fall, India seized complete control of the England vs India Test.

Supporting Acts: Prasidh, Jadeja, and Washington Deliver Under Pressure

While Akash took center stage, Prasidh Krishna provided timely breakthroughs, including a well-executed short ball that dismissed Chris Woakes. His economy helped build pressure, especially in the second session when runs dried up.

Ravindra Jadeja, ever dependable, kept a tight leash from one end. Bowling into the rough, he threatened Stokes repeatedly and eventually dismissed Josh Tongue thanks to a reflex catch from Siraj.

Washington Sundar, introduced late in the morning session, struck immediately with Stokes’ wicket and then created several chances. He also nearly had another early in the second session but was denied by a non-review and low slip fielding.

Shubman Gill’s Dual Centuries Set Up India’s Dominance

India’s commanding victory was set up by captain Shubman Gill, whose batting across both innings was nothing short of monumental. His 269 in the first innings, the highest ever by an Indian captain, laid the foundation. He stitched crucial partnerships—203 with Ravindra Jadeja and 144 with Washington Sundar—to propel India to 587.

In the second innings, he scored 161, becoming only the second Indian to score over 400 runs in a Test match. These knocks gave India a lead of 180 and later helped stretch the advantage to an almost unassailable 608-run target.

Declaration Timing Pays Off Despite Question Marks

There were murmurs when India declared at 427/6, an hour into the final session on Day 4. Many felt it could’ve come earlier. But three wickets before stumps that evening and Akash Deep’s early strikes the next day validated the decision. Even with Day 5’s delayed start, India had plenty of time to bowl England out, proving that the timing was precise and calculated.

India Break Edgbaston Curse in Style

Before this Test, India had failed to register a win in eight attempts at Edgbaston. That drought finally ended. Moreover, this victory made India the first Asian team to win a Test match at the Birmingham venue—a milestone that underlines the dominance of this performance.

It was also India’s largest away win by runs, surpassing their previous best and sending a strong message ahead of the remaining matches in the England vs India Test series.

Brief Scores – England vs India 2nd Test

• India 1st Innings: 587 (Shubman Gill 269, Jadeja 89, Jaiswal 87; Bashir 3-167)
• England 1st Innings: 407 (Jamie Smith 184*, Brook 158; Siraj 6-70, Akash Deep 4-88)
• India 2nd Innings: 427/6 decl. (Gill 161, Jadeja 69*, Pant 65; Tongue 2-93)
• England 2nd Innings: 271 (Smith 88, Carse 38; Akash Deep 6-99)

India won by 336 runs.

What’s Next?

The action now shifts to the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, where the third encounter of the England vs India Test series will commence on July 10, just three days after India’s historic triumph in Birmingham. The match is set to begin at 3:30 PM IST, promising another thrilling chapter in this fiercely contested series.

India will be bolstered by the return of Jasprit Bumrah, their pace spearhead who was rested for the England vs India 2nd Test as part of workload management. With conditions at Lord’s traditionally favouring fast bowlers, Bumrah’s comeback adds sharpness to an already lethal attack.

Meanwhile, England fans will be eagerly awaiting the return of Jofra Archer, who is set to play his first Test in over four years. His inclusion could be a game-changer, adding pace and hostility to England’s bowling unit, especially at a venue where he once made a memorable Ashes debut.

With the series level at 1-1 and both teams regaining key players, the Lord’s Test is perfectly set up to tilt the balance in this classic England vs India Test rivalry.

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