England vs India: 2nd Test Match Preview
Match Details:
Match: England vs India(ENG vs IND), 2nd Test Match, India tour of England, 2025
Date and Time: July 2, 10:00 am GMT / 03:30 pm IST / 11:00 am local time
Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham
ENG vs IND Prediction and Tips:
England is gearing up to face India in the 2nd Test match of the India tour of England, 2025. This highly anticipated match is set to take place at Edgbaston, Birmingham on Wednesday, July 2.
In a move characteristic of the ‘BazBall’ style, England announced their playing XI in advance, revealing that Ben Stokes will continue to lead an unchanged team for the second Test. Despite hopes of Jofra Archer’s return, he remains sidelined for now.
Josh Tongue and skipper Ben Stokes impressed with four wickets each in the first innings in Leeds. England will rely on a stronger performance from Chris Woakes, particularly as he plays on his home ground in Birmingham.
Ben Duckett shone in the first Test with the bat, providing promise for England’s top order. However, India will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing loss in Leeds, particularly focusing on shoring up their lower-order batting.
India’s top order showed strength in the first Test, with centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant. The team may make adjustments to add depth to their lower order to avoid collapses like the one in Headingley.
Jasprit Bumrah is expected to return to India’s lineup, along with spinner Kuldeep Yadav. The match at Edgbaston is expected to feature a dry surface, favoring spinners.
Possible Playing XI:
England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes(c), Jamie Smith(w), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir
India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Karun Nair, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav
Weather and Pitch Report:
Expect a cool, cloudy morning at Edgbaston on July 2 with temperatures around 18°C. The pitch is expected to have good pace and bounce early on, favoring seamers, before becoming easier for batting as the ball softens. Spinners may not receive much assistance.
Teams winning the toss usually opt to bowl first on this pitch that offers a balance between batters and bowlers.
Full Squad:
England: (List of England players)
India: (List of India players)
Overall, the 2nd Test match between England and India promises to be an exciting clash of titans, with both teams looking to secure a crucial victory in the series.
Team Form:
England comes into the 2nd Test match with a confident victory in the first Test against India. The team’s batting line-up showed resilience, with Ben Duckett providing a solid foundation at the top of the order. Bowlers like Josh Tongue and Ben Stokes showcased their skills, putting pressure on the Indian batsmen. England will look to build on this momentum and secure another win at Edgbaston.
India, on the other hand, will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing performance in the first Test. While their top order displayed strength with several centuries, the lower order struggled to provide substantial contributions. The team will aim to rectify this issue and put up a more balanced performance in the upcoming match. With the return of key players like Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav, India will be looking to turn the tide in their favor.
Key Players to Watch:
For England, all eyes will be on Ben Duckett, who impressed in the first Test with his batting prowess. His ability to anchor the innings and build partnerships will be crucial for England’s success. Captain Ben Stokes will also be a key player to watch, both with the bat and ball. His aggressive leadership style and all-round abilities make him a formidable force on the field.
On the Indian side, the return of Jasprit Bumrah will bolster their bowling attack. Bumrah’s pace and ability to pick up crucial wickets make him a threat to the English batsmen. Rishabh Pant’s explosive batting and ability to change the course of the game in a matter of overs will also be a crucial factor for India.
Head-to-Head Record:
When it comes to head-to-head encounters between England and India, the rivalry has been intense and closely contested over the years. Both teams have had their moments of dominance, with thrilling matches that have kept fans on the edge of their seats. In recent years, India has shown strong performances against England in Test cricket, making the upcoming match even more intriguing.
Match Prediction:
With both teams showcasing a mix of skill and determination, the 2nd Test match between England and India is expected to be a closely fought contest. While England may have the advantage of playing on home soil and coming off a win in the first Test, India’s strong batting line-up and the return of key players could tilt the scales in their favor. Ultimately, it will come down to which team can execute their plans effectively on the day of the match.
Overall, fans can expect a thrilling encounter between two cricketing giants as England and India face off in the 2nd Test match at Edgbaston. With both teams hungry for victory, the stage is set for an exciting battle on the cricket field.
