India Complete Crushing 337-Run Victory to Level Series
India have emphatically leveled the Test series against England at 1-1 after securing a commanding 337-run victory at Edgbaston on Sunday. The visitors’ comprehensive win was sealed by pacer Akash Deep, who claimed a remarkable 10-wicket match haul, including 6-99 in the second innings.
The hosts were bowled out for 271 in their second innings, falling well short of the mammoth 608-run target. Despite Jamie Smith’s valiant resistance with 88 runs, England never looked likely to save the match once their top order crumbled early on the final day.
Akash Deep Leads India’s Charge
The morning began dramatically for England after heavy rain delayed play. When action resumed, Akash Deep immediately made his presence felt. The pacer trapped Ollie Pope with a delivery that kept low, forcing the batsman to play onto his stumps in just the third over.
Harry Brook’s dismissal followed soon after, falling victim to a vicious inswinger that pinned him lbw for 23. The double strike left England reeling at 83-5, effectively ending any hopes of a miraculous escape.
Ben Stokes tried to steady the ship alongside wicketkeeper Jamie Smith, but Washington Sundar broke through just before lunch. The England captain was trapped lbw for 33, leaving his team in dire straits at 153-6.
Smith’s Lone Battle
Jamie Smith emerged as England’s sole warrior on the final day. Following his magnificent unbeaten 184 in the first innings, the wicketkeeper-batsman showed tremendous character once again. He counter-attacked bravely, hitting four sixes in his 88-run knock.
However, his resistance ended when he holed out attempting a hook shot off Akash Deep. The dismissal gave the Indian pacer his maiden five-wicket haul in just his eighth Test match. Deep fittingly claimed the final wicket of Brydon Carse to finish with impressive match figures of 10-187.
Historic Win Sets Up Thrilling Series
This victory marks India’s first-ever Test win at Edgbaston after eight unsuccessful attempts. The Birmingham crowd, packed with enthusiastic Indian supporters, witnessed their team bounce back brilliantly after losing the series opener at Headingley.
Captain Shubman Gill’s remarkable batting performance throughout the match – scoring 430 runs including centuries in both innings – laid the foundation for this triumph. His first victory as Test captain couldn’t have come in more emphatic fashion.
The comprehensive nature of India’s win has perfectly set up the remainder of the series. With momentum firmly on their side, the visitors head to Lord’s for the third Test starting Thursday, knowing they’ve answered their critics in style.
For England, this heavy defeat raises questions about their aggressive approach when facing such daunting targets. The hosts will need to regroup quickly as the series now stands delicately poised at 1-1 with three matches remaining.
