India’s historic triumph at Edgbaston on Sunday, July 6, 2025, where they secured a 336-run victory over England in the fifth and final day of the second Test, marked a remarkable chapter in their England tour—sealing a 1‑1 series tie in the five-match contest. Below is a detailed, polished 1,000‑word match‑report article, based on up‑to‑date sources, that captures the drama, key moments, player performances and strategic decisions that defined the day.
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📌 Match Snapshot
Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham
Result: India won by 336 runs
Series: India and England now tied 1‑1 in five-match series
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🌅 Morning: Rain Delay & Tactical Start
Day 5 was delayed by rain, with heavy downpours early on. The early showers soaked the pitch and outfield, forcing late play start, but forecast favored improved conditions in the latter sessions . When the skies cleared post‑lunch, India's seamers were quick to exploit the damp conditions and displayed sharp intent. Needing seven wickets to square the series, India opted for a mix of pacers and spinners to adapt to a pitch that offered variable bounce and movement.
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🧠 Captaincy & Bowling Strategy
Captain Shubman Gill’s captaincy on Day 5 was both bold and calculated. He strategically rotated bowlers, switching between seamers, spinners, short‑ball tactics and slip field placements. The backing of spin in the middle session reflected Gill’s confidence in Jadeja and Sundar, while Ash Deep and Siraj tormented England with pace .
🎯 Akash Deep: Emerging Match-Winner
Akash Deep was the standout bowler, claiming a match haul of 10 wickets (4/88 & 6/99). His searing pace, disciplined length, and tactical use of slower bouncers destabilized key English batsmen, most notably Jamie Smith (88), who tried to counter-attack but eventually succumbed . India’s decision to rest Jasprit Bumrah paid off hugely, as Deep stepped up in a big way .
🔁 Mohammed Siraj: Consistent Pressure
Siraj provided relentless support, ending the match with seven wickets across both innings. His disciplined line and length, especially with the new ball, added constant pressure, tightening the screws on the English batting order .
🌀 Spin Storm: Jadeja & Sundar Contribute
Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar delivered crucial breakthroughs. Sundar removed England captain Ben Stokes (33) via LBW before lunch, while Jadeja got Josh Tongue shortly after tea, tightening India’s grip .
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🎯 Key Wickets Sequence
1. Prasidh Krishna uprooted Chris Woakes (7), utilizing the seam movement and midwicket catch from Siraj .
2. Washington Sundar struck just before lunch, LBW’ing Ben Stokes to break a crucial partnership .
3. Akash Deep dismissed Jamie Smith (88), ending a defiant counterattack in England’s middle order .
4. Jadeja & Siraj combined to dismantle the lower order, leaving England 271 all out and India victorious .
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🐐 Shubman Gill: Batting Legend
Although not batting on Day 5, Shubman Gill’s dual innings were central to India’s huge lead and eventual control of the Test:
First innings: 269
Second innings: 161
He amassed a staggering 430 runs in the match—an Indian record surpassing his idol Sunil Gavaskar’s 344 in 1971. Gill becomes the first player in 150 years to post 150+ twice in a single Test, eclipsing Alan Border’s record .
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📋 The Scorecard – Final Innings Breakdown
India’s Innings: 587 & 427/6 declared
England’s Response: 407 & 271
Match ended on Day 5 evening with India bowling out England for 271, securing a 336-run victory. Squared the series at 1-1 .
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🎉 Significance of the Win
1. First-ever Test win in Birmingham (Edgbaston). India had never won at this venue before—eight previous attempts resulted in draws or losses .
2. First Asian Test win at Edgbaston. Historic footprint for Asian teams at the historic venue .
3. Bumrah workload management vindicated. Despite resting Jasprit Bumrah, India’s fast-bowling depth ensured dominance. Gill confirmed Bumrah's return at Lord’s .
4. Series momentum shift. With the tie, India take psychological advantage heading into Test 3 at the iconic Lord’s Ground.
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🌱 England’s Bazball Conundrum
Despite the early intent to chase a draw or perhaps a win (Bazball-style), England’s strategy faltered under Indian precision:
Jamie Smith and Harry Brook began positively but ultimately succumbed.
England’s lower order folded, conceding the match once pivotal wickets fell .
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🏏 Post-Match Reflection
Shubman Gill’s captaincy drew high praise—his plans and combinations were spot-on on Day 5.
Akash Deep emerged as a sensation, validating selectors’ faith.
India’s bowling attack showed depth and maturity with both pace and spin contributing significantly.
England must rethink Bazball chase strategy—when collapsing may cost you more than losing out on a win.
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🔜 Onward to Lord’s – Test 3 Preview
India, riding high on morale, aim to maintain momentum. England, too, will regroup under their home captain’s authority and adapt tactics. Key battles in ensuing Tests: Bumrah’s return, spin’s role on turning tracks, and British batsmen’s resilience in disciplined subcontinental bowling.
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📝 Final Thoughts
The fifth day at Edgbaston was a testament to India’s growth as a Test force—a rare evening of batting excellence, bowling intent, and captaincy clarity. The 336-run triumph wasn’t just a win—it rewrote history: first-ever win at Edgbaston, first by an Asian team, and a masterclass in tactical planning.
As the tour moves to Lord’s, eyes will be on Gill and his troops to see if they ride the wave into the heart of cricketing tradition. England, wounded but defiant, must find answers fast. The series is now wide open, with Test 3 promising its own set of dramas.
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Word count approx. 1,000 words
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📚 Sources & Additional Reading
Live coverage and score details – Indian Express
The Guardian's blow-by-blow reports – match context and key moments
NDTV Sports – player performances and match implications
Times of India – rain impact
and strategic play
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