With a statement victory in the second Test of their tour of England, India crushed their hosts by a devastating 336 runs at Edgbaston to level the series 1-1. The victory was made possible thanks to a historic performance by Shubman Gill and a match-winning, ten-wicket haul from Akash Deep.
Gill, captaining India for the first time in a Test match, stamped his authority with scores of 269 and 161, for a total of 430 runs, earning the Player of the Match title in a record-breaking Test that would follow. His batting was elegant and dominant with their massive totals set at 587 and 427 for 6 declared.
In pursuit of an improbable target of 608 runs, England never looked like they were in the contest. After fighting valiantly in the first innings through Jamie Smith (184*) and Harry Brook (158) scoring 407 as a heft in their second innings they crumbled to 271 as Akash Deep continued the onslaught.
The 27-year-old bowler who had taken the place of rested pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, had figures of 6 for 99 in the second innings and 10 for 187 in the match. It is only the second ten wicket haul achieved by an Indian bowler in England since Chetan Sharma’s effort in 1986. His ability to seam the ball and aim the cracks on a deteriorating pitch was brutal.
As play got underway on final day with some rain delays overnight, England’s middle order melted away. Soon after the players returned, Akash Deep struck with his first delivery to remove Ollie Pope, and with his second to get Brook, with both deliveries jagging and moving pronouncedly off the surface. Washington Sundar and Mohammed Siraj also contributed wickets, whilst Smith was solid once again in the batting department, however, really only worthwhile making 88, before trying to counter attack, and getting out as the last recognised batsman.
In a nice twist of fate, Gill caught the final wicket – Bryan Carse – and confirmed the win thanks to Akash Deep.
India’s control at Edgbaston was total. From losing the toss to keeping control of every session, the win was their first ever Test victory at the venue. As India heads to Lord’s with momentum and confidence, England will need to re-group after the experience of heavy defeat.
