A riveting Day 4 of the England vs India 2nd Test at Edgbaston has positioned India just seven wickets away from a momentous victory. With a towering second-innings total led by Shubman Gill’s second century of the match, explosive middle-order batting, and a ruthless late-evening spell by Indian seamers, England find themselves staring at a monumental fourth-innings chase of 608—an uphill battle that might be remembered for its audacity if achieved or collapse if thwarted.
By Stumps, England had stumbled to 72 for 3, with Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj carving into the top order under fading skies. With 536 runs still needed and cracks widening on the Edgbaston surface, the England vs India clash is set for a compelling finale.
Table of Contents
Gill Breaks New Ground in England vs India Classic
Shubman Gill etched his name into the history books with a phenomenal match performance. Not only did he anchor the Indian innings with 161 in the second essay, but he also became the first player in Test history to score both a 250+ and a 150+ in the same game. His majestic stroke play, marked by powerful pulls, elegant drives, and calculated aggression, defined the England vs India 2nd Test narrative.
Gill’s second century, forged under overcast skies and against a charged English attack, was filled with assertiveness and purpose. His shot selection grew more audacious as the lead swelled—hooking Josh Tongue over fine leg, flat-batting over midwicket, and launching Joe Root into the stands. With this performance, Gill surpassed Virat Kohli’s tally of 449 runs in a debut series as Test captain and broke Sunil Gavaskar’s 1971 West Indies record of 344 runs in a single Test.
Pant’s Controlled Chaos Shifts Gears in Middle Session
Rishabh Pant’s innings was emblematic of controlled chaos. He entered the fray after KL Rahul’s stumps were sent cartwheeling by Tongue, but he wasted no time making an impact. From the very first ball, which he whipped for four past fine leg, Pant displayed his intent. His 65 off 74 balls injected urgency and flair into India’s innings.
Pant’s knock included all the characteristic elements—bold sweeps, fearless pulls, and moments of madness. He lost his bat twice during his innings, narrowly escaped being bowled by Shoaib Bashir, and was even dropped by Zak Crawley at mid-off. But his fearless approach, especially the massive six over long-on to bring up India’s 400-run lead, ensured England’s bowlers never found rhythm.
As the England vs India battle intensified, Pant’s 48-ball half-century and his 110-run stand with Gill swung momentum fully in India’s favour.
Jadeja’s Composure Adds Backbone to Indian Surge
If Gill was the architect and Pant the firestarter, Ravindra Jadeja was the anchoring force. Coming in after Pant’s dismissal, Jadeja batted with maturity and calmness. He began cautiously, scoring just five from his first 28 deliveries, but once settled, he opened up.
Jadeja’s 69 not out showcased textbook batting discipline. He accelerated when required—launching Bashir for a straight six and threading the gaps with precision. His fifty, brought up with finesse, was his second of the match and vital in adding to the colossal 175-run fifth-wicket partnership with Gill.
In the larger context of England vs India 2nd Test, Jadeja’s knock reflected the depth and resilience of India’s middle order.
Carse Threatens but India Marches On
Early on Day 4, Brydon Carse looked the most threatening among England’s bowlers. He generated lively bounce and beat the bat repeatedly. He forced Karun Nair to take a blow on the helmet and eventually dismissed him with a beautiful outswinger that found the edge.
Carse also nearly removed Rahul, who edged just past slip, but England couldn’t build consistent pressure. England’s misuse of DRS, notably a wasted review against Gill that replays showed had a clear inside edge, further blunted their momentum. Once Gill and Pant began dominating, Carse’s early threat faded into the background.
India Crosses 1000-Run Mark Before Declaring
India’s declaration came at 427 for 6, giving them a cumulative total of 1014 runs across both innings—only the sixth such instance in Test history. Before that, Washington Sundar added quick runs, including a six and a four, after Gill was dismissed for 161—caught at deep midwicket after hitting his eighth six.
Gill and Jadeja’s 150-run stand powered India past their previous highest Test aggregate against Australia at SCG in 2004. The decision to bat on after Gill’s dismissal, including Nitish Reddy’s brief stay and Sundar’s fireworks, indicated India’s desire to completely demoralize England.
England’s Fourth-Innings Nightmare Begins
Facing a mountain, England’s second innings began with missteps. Siraj, aggressive and accurate, removed Zak Crawley for a duck with a delivery that tempted the drive and induced an edge to point.
Ben Duckett, who showed some positive intent, was soon undone by Akash Deep, who rattled the stumps via an inside edge. Ollie Pope survived a few nervous moments, including a leading edge that flew past gully and a lucky reprieve when a thick edge didn’t carry to Pant. But the turning point came when Akash Deep bowled Joe Root with a beautiful delivery that angled in and straightened.
By the end of the day, Pope and Harry Brook remained unbeaten, but the scars inflicted by India’s new-ball attack are likely to haunt the hosts on the final day.
Score Summary
India – 587 & 427/6 decl. (Shubman Gill 161, Ravindra Jadeja 69*, Rishabh Pant 65; Josh Tongue 2-93)
England – 407 & 72/3 (Ben Duckett 25; Akash Deep 2-36, Mohammed Siraj 1-29)
India leads by 535 runs
What to Expect on Day 5? England Needs a Miracle
With seven wickets in hand and 536 runs still required, England are in a nearly impossible situation. The final day of the England vs India 2nd Test promises drama, but unless Pope and Brook channel the spirit of Headingley 2019, it is India’s game to lose.
The pitch, wearing and dusty, is offering variable bounce and some turn. With Siraj and Akash Deep breathing fire and Jadeja ready to exploit rough patches, England’s chances seem slim.
The England vs India 2nd Test has been a showcase of Indian dominance—from commanding totals to clutch partnerships and incisive bowling. Gill’s twin tons have already written a new chapter in Test folklore, but the real payoff lies in whether India can seal this with a win on Day 5.
A famous victory is within touching distance. If achieved, it would rank among India’s most comprehensive overseas triumphs, serving not just as a statement of intent but as a powerful symbol of the team’s evolution in the longest format.
FAQs
What is the target for England in the England vs India 2nd Test?
India set a record fourth-innings target of 608 runs for England to chase at Edgbaston.
Who scored the most runs in the England vs India 2nd Test?
Shubman Gill top-scored with 161 in the second innings, becoming the first player to score a 250+ and 150+ in the same Test.
What is the score at Stumps on Day 4 in the England vs India match?
England ended Day 4 at 72/3, needing 536 more runs to win the 2nd Test against India.
How did India dominate the England vs India 2nd Test Day 4?
India dominated with brilliant batting by Gill, Pant, and Jadeja, followed by early wickets from Siraj and Akash Deep.
When is the final day of the England vs India 2nd Test scheduled?
Day 5 of the England vs India 2nd Test will be played on Sunday, July 6 from 3:30 PM IST, with India needing 7 wickets to win
