Day 1 of the second Test between India and England at Edgbaston made a bold statement by India’s young captain Shubman Gill, who finished not out on 119* at the close of play. With an aggressive 87 from Yashasvi Jaiswal and a 99-run not out partnership with Ravindra Jadeja, India closed the day at a healthy 310/5, potentially setting the stage for first-innings dominance.
England Wins Toss, Decides to Bowl
With the series 1-0 up for England, home captain Ben Stokes won the toss and decided to bowl in good batting conditions in Birmingham. England followed their recipe from the first Test with early seam-bowling help, looking to make early inroads in India’s batting order. They did get some early wickets, but India’s top and middle order found more composure this time.
KL Rahul Bowled Early – Woakes Shoots First
India’s start was shaky after KL Rahul fell cheaply for 2 runs, as he was bowled by Chris Woakes in the first session. Woakes’ delivery angled in and seamed away just enough to beat Rahul’s inside edge and clip the very top of off-stump. It was a dream start for Woakes, in front of his home crowd at Edgbaston.
Yashasvi Jaiswal – A Stroke Filled 87
Regardless of India’s early dismissals, they found their momentum in Yashasvi Jaiswal, continuing what has been a rich vein of form for him.Yashasvi Jaiswal played with intent, aggression, and clarity—and built an 80-run partnership—Karun Nair relaxed—he started smacking boundaries as if they were nothing.
Jaiswal made his half-century in style, absolutely smashing three boundaries in a row off Josh Tongue, who looked unsettled earlier in his opening spell—Jaiswal’s shot selection was pinpoint, and execution clinical; punishing anything short, wide, or over-pitched. Jaiswal’s innings included 13 boundaries and came at blistering pace, allowing India to maintain a healthy run rate through the morning and early afternoon.
Unfortunately for India, Karun Nair fell for 31—caught in the slips off Brydon Carse—but Jaiswal soon followed. Ben Stokes had him caught behind trying to push a ball that turned a fraction, all the same, his 87 runs were good enough to set up a strong position for India by days end.
Gill & Pant Steady the Ship in Middle Session
After Jaiswal fell, captain Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant looked to rebuild. Gill had looked composed at the crease and began batting cautiously, leaving well outside off stump and waiting for a loose ball. Pant also looked to rotate strike and continue to play his natural game.
Together, they absorbed a lot of pressure and ensured that no further wickets fell in the second session. Gill made his half-century—his 8th in Test cricket quietly, but confidently.
Things began to take a turn for the worse when Pant fell to a clever delivery from Shoaib Bashir, attempting to loft the ball but finding a fielder at long-on. His contribution of 25 was short, but important in helping to stabilise innings, soon after, Nitish Kumar Reddy was bowled by Woakes for just 1—exposed, India’s lower middle order.
Gill and Jadeja Build a Wall
Just when it looked like India could be tipping over, walked in Ravindra Jadeja who settled beside Gill, creating the most significant partnership of the day. The two seasoned players put together a stand of 99 runs, getting India back on track with smart, calculated cricket. Gill began to open up again, going from 50 to 100 gracefully–before finishing on 100 with two boundaries off Joe Root bringing in his second consecutive Test century, a captain’s innings.
Gill showed excellent temperament as captain, chose 216 balls not only displaying his excellent technical attributes but demonstrated great mental fortitude. Jadeja created calmness at the other end with a composed 41 (67) at the end of the day’s play.
England Bowlers Show Great Fight, Woakes the Standout Performer
While India ended the day in an advantageous position, England’s bowlers presented a solid fight. In particular, Chris Woakes (2-59) had a great day, taking both KL Rahul and the currently busy Reddy with tight lines and even the smallest bit of movement off-pitch.
Ben Stokes, Brydon Carse, and Shoaib Bashir chipped in with one each, while Josh Tongue and Joe Root didn’t find much luck. The bowlers bowled well at times and had some good moments of pressure, but unfortunately, were not able to really challenge Gill and Jadeja in that final hour.
Key Stats from Day 1:
Shubman Gill: 119* (216 balls, 14 fours) – 8th Test century in his career, second as captain
Yashasvi Jaiswal: 87 (106 balls, 13 fours) – valuably got his 7th consecutive 50+ score vs England
Elimination: India: 310/5 at stumps (90 overs)
Partnerships:
Jaiswal-Karun – 80
Gill-Jadeja – 99* (ongoing)
Highlights from England Bowling:
Chris Woakes: 2/59
Ben Stokes: 1/34
Shoaib Bashir: 1/71
Brydon Carse: 1/66
What to Expect Heading Into Day 2
With Gill and Jadeja at the crease, India can push towards 400 wickets which would put scoreboard pressure back onto England as well as make up for Bumrah’s absence in the Test as he was rested. Now it is up to the Indian batters to do the right thing and build upon this strong platform and ensure the scoreboard gives the bowlers enough to play with given conditions.
For England, early wickets would be crucial on Day 2 if they want to keep India at a reasonable score. The Edgbaston pitch will still have something in the first session for seamers, as the new-ball is not too far away from the start.
