Edgbaston, July 5, 2025: Day 4 of the second Test between India and England at Edgbaston saw India take a commanding position, courtesy of a record-breaking century from captain Shubman Gill and crucial contributions from Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja. India declared their second innings, setting England an improbable target of 608 runs, and then struck thrice with the ball to leave the hosts reeling.
Shubman Gill’s Batting Masterclass Continues
Resuming their second innings with a healthy lead, India’s batting was once again spearheaded by their in-form captain, Shubman Gill. Following his monumental 269 in the first innings, Gill continued to punish the English bowlers, notching up another superb century (161 off 162 balls).
His innings was a blend of aggression and control, featuring 13 fours and 8 sixes, further cementing his incredible form in the series. Gill’s aggregate of 430 runs in this Test is the highest ever for an Indian in a single Test match, surpassing Sunil Gavaskar’s long-standing record.
Crucial Partnerships Extend India’s Lead
While Gill dominated, he found excellent support from the middle order. KL Rahul contributed a solid 55 before his dismissal. Rishabh Pant played another entertaining and quickfire knock of 65 off just 58 balls, stitching together a brisk 110-run partnership with Gill. Later, Ravindra Jadeja joined Gill and played a vital unbeaten hand of 69 runs, further swelling India’s lead and pushing the game well beyond England’s reach. India eventually declared their innings at 427/6, setting England a target that has never been chased successfully in Test history.
England’s Top Order Crumbles Again
With a monumental target of 608 to chase, England’s “Bazball” approach faced its sternest test. The Indian pacers, Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep, made immediate inroads, exposing the fragility of England’s top order. Siraj provided the first breakthrough, dismissing Zak Crawley for a duck. Akash Deep then breathed fire, picking up two crucial wickets, including the dangerous Ben Duckett (25) and a peach of a delivery to clean bowl Joe Root (6).
England Face Uphill Battle on Day 5
At Stumps on Day 4, England were 72/3, with Ollie Pope (24*) and Harry Brook (15*) attempting to steady the innings. However, they still need a massive 536 runs with seven wickets in hand, while India are just seven wickets away from levelling the series. The pitch, while still offering something for the bowlers, is expected to ease out slightly, but the sheer volume of runs required presents an almost insurmountable task for England. India will be confident of wrapping up a convincing victory on the final day.
