India Moves Closer to Historic Win at Edgbaston
BIRMINGHAM, England – In a thrilling showdown, India is just four wickets away from securing their first Test victory at Edgbaston, as England crumbled to 153-6 while chasing an enormous target of 608. The final day of the second Test on Sunday saw a fierce bowling display from Akash Deep, leaving the English side on shaky ground.
England’s hopes of achieving the highest successful chase in Test history took a significant hit when they lost both of their overnight batsmen early in the day. Captain Ben Stokes fell just before the lunch break, raising concerns for the home team.
Play resumed after a short rain delay, with the sun breaking through clouds. Unfortunately, ten overs were lost, and England began the day on a precarious 72-3.
Deep had already put his mark on the match by dismissing Ben Duckett and Joe Root the day before. He continued his impressive performance on a pitch that had transformed from a good batting surface to a challenging one.
Ollie Pope was the first wicket to fall on the day, bowled out for 24 by a rising delivery that sent the ball crashing into the stumps. Harry Brook soon followed, falling victim to an off-cutter from Deep that caught him by surprise and trapped him lbw, leaving England in deep trouble at 83-5.
Despite the setbacks, Stokes and Jamie Smith managed to steady the innings with a partnership of 70 runs off 115 balls, breaking from their usual aggressive style as the spinners started exploiting the pitch’s rough patches. However, with lunch approaching, Washington Sundar struck again, removing Stokes lbw for 33, leaving England down by 455 runs and facing a daunting defeat.
Currently, England leads the series 1-0 after winning the first Test at Headingley. As the day progresses, all eyes will be on whether India can wrap up this historic win.
