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Team India has taken firm control of the second Test against England, delivering a commanding all-round performance.

After a massive batting effort, it was the Indian pacers who took center stage, dismantling England’s top order with sheer pace and precision. Despite Jasprit Bumrah being rested for the match, India’s bowling unit hasn’t let his absence be felt.

Akash Deep & Siraj Lead the Charge

At Edgbaston, the pair of Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj produced a fiery spell that left England reeling. Akash Deep struck early, dismissing both Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope on back-to-back deliveries. Siraj joined the party on Day 3, removing England skipper Ben Stokes for a duck, tightening India’s grip on the match.

England’s top order suffered a rare and embarrassing collapse as three of their top six batters were dismissed for ducks. This is the first time since 2010 that such a collapse has occurred in a home Test for England. The last instance came against Pakistan, and now, Team India has etched its name into that infamous statistic.

When Bumrah was rested as part of workload management, critics questioned the decision. However, the rest of the pace unit stepped up brilliantly. India’s bowlers, especially Akash Deep and Siraj, ensured that England’s batters never looked settled.

India has never won a Test match at Edgbaston, a venue where England has historically dominated. However, with the momentum firmly in India’s favor, this match offers a golden opportunity to end that winless streak. A victory here would level the series 1-1, making the final Test at Lord’s a series decider.

After a shaky start, Jamie Smith and Harry Brook led England’s fightback with impressive centuries, guiding their team to 263 for 5 in 50 overs. Their partnership has significantly reduced the pressure, although England still trails India by 324 runs in the first innings.