Akash Deep delivered a dream performance, claiming six wickets in the second innings and ten in the match, as India thrashed England by 336 runs in the second Test at Edgbaston. This historic win marked India’s first-ever Test victory at the venue and brought the five-match series level at 1-1.Rain delayed the start of play on Day 5, with action resuming only at 5:10 PM IST. But once underway, India wasted no time. Akash Deep struck early, removing overnight batters Ollie Pope and Harry Brook, setting the tone for the day.
Though Ben Stokes and Jamie Smith resisted with a steady stand, Washington Sundar broke through just before lunch by dismissing the England skipper for 33.
Smith continued to fight, scoring 88 runs, but was eventually dismissed by Akash Deep while trying to hit a third straight six. Prasidh Krishna also chipped in by removing Chris Woakes, ending a stubborn partnership.
Fittingly, it was Akash Deep who took the final wicket, sealing a famous win. Captain Shubman Gill, who had a superb match with the bat scoring 430 runs, took the final catch to wrap things up.
India now heads to Lord’s for the third Test starting July 10, with the series level and momentum on their side.
Shubman Gill | Indian captain and Player of the Match: All the things we spoke about after the first game, we were spot on with all of those things. Our bowling and fielding was tremendous to see. On this kind of wicket, we knew if we get 400-500 on this kind of wicket, we’ll be in the game. Not everytime we’re going to drop that many catches that we did in Headingley. They (fast bowlers) were magnificent and I think the way we were able to get through the top-order, that was important to us, and both those bowlers bowled brilliantly and even Prasidh, he didn’t get as many wickets as them, but he also bowled brilliantly. He (Akash Deep) bowled with so much heart. The areas and lengths he hit, he was getting the ball to move both ways. On wickets like these, it’s difficult to do that, he was just magnificent for us. I’d say I’m feeling comfortable with my game, hopefully if we win the series with my contributions, I’ll feel happier. Everyday is a learning curve for me. Whenever I go out there, I’ve said this before, I just want to play as a batsman and I want to think as a batsman and I want to make my decisions and risk management as a batsman. Sometimes when you are out there and thinking as a captain, you don’t take that risks which I think as a batsman sometimes is necessary. Definitely (Bumrah back at Lord’s?). Very excited for that (Lord’s Test). Probably the most iconic cricket stadium in the world and as a kid everyone dreams about playing there and I think no bigger honour than to be able to captain your country and lead your team there.