The much-anticipated ind vs eng 2nd Test 2025 is set to begin on July 2 at 3:30 PM IST at the iconic Edgbaston birmingham Cricket Ground, promising another intense battle between two of the strongest Test teams in the world. After a gripping first Test, India will be keen to bounce back and level the series, while England will look to maintain their momentum on home soil. With both squads packed with world-class talent, fans can expect high-voltage drama, edge-of-the-seat moments, and strategic brilliance over five enthralling days.
From recent form to historical rivalry, from pitch behavior to weather impact — here’s everything you need to know before the first ball is bowled
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Ind vs eng 2nd Test 2025: Confirmed & Predicted Playing XI
India’s Predicted Playing XI:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul
- Sai Sudharsan
- Shubman Gill (Captain)
- Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper, Vice-Captain)
- Nitish Reddy
- Washington Sundar
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Mohammed Siraj
- Prasidh Krishna
- Akash Deep
India has gone with a youthful but bold lineup, focusing on long-term development and sharper wicket-taking intent.
England’s Confirmed Playing XI:
- Zak Crawley
- Ben Duckett
- Ollie Pope
- Joe Root
- Harry Brook
- Ben Stokes (Captain)
- Jamie Smith (Wicketkeeper)
- Chris Woakes
- Brydon Carse
- Josh Tongue
- Shoaib Bashir
England continues to push its “Bazball” with calculated aggression and confident bowling choices.
Venue Watch: Edgbaston Birmingham – A Fortress for England?
This match will be played at Edgbaston, and history here is heavily tilted in England’s favor.
| Record | England | India |
|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 8 | 8 |
| Wins | 7 | 0 |
| Draws | 1 | 1 |
| Losses | 0 | 7 |
India have never won a Test at Edgbaston. Their last match here in 2022 saw them post 416 runs, but England chased down 378 with ease.
Key Venue Stats:
- Highest IND score: 416
- Lowest IND score: 92
- Pitch Type: Initially swing-friendly, later flattens
- Weather: Overcast skies may help pacers early on
Despite recent improvements, Edgbaston remains India’s most unlucky venue in England. Can this young Indian squad turn the tables?
Pitch Report for IND vs ENG 2nd Test at Edgbaston
Before diving into predictions, let’s break down the pitch and weather dynamics that can shape the 2nd Test match .
Pitch Report (Edgbaston, Birmingham)
The pitch at Edgbaston has always been known for offering early seam movement and bounce. Here’s what to expect in this Test:
- Fast Bowlers’ Delight: The surface will offer good carry and bounce, especially on Day 1 and 2. Pacers from both sides will be eager to exploit the early green tinge.
- Spinners Come Late: As the match progresses (Day 3–5), cracks may open up, offering turn to the likes of Jadeja and Shoeb.
Batting First Advantage: With an average first-innings score of 292, teams batting first tend to do better here. But anything above 350 will be a competitive total.
Bounce + Movement = Early Trouble: Top-order batsmen must watch out for early swing and nip off the surface
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Weather Report: Rain Chances in IND vs ENG 2nd Test
- Rain Chances: According to recent updates, IND vs ENG rain chance remains as high as 80%, making it tough for uninterrupted play . Up to 80% on all five days. Intermittent showers and delays are expected, particularly in the afternoon sessions.
- Conditions: Mostly cloudy skies with 19–20°C temperatures and 81% humidity make it ideal for swing bowling.
- Moisture Boosts Seam Movement: If rain delays occur, the pitch will stay fresh and juicy, helping fast bowlers like Wood, Robinson, and Siraj.
What Does This Mean for the Match?
- Shortened Play: Rain might eat up 1–2 sessions daily.
- Result Chances: Slightly lower unless teams play aggressively.
- Toss Factor: The team winning the toss might still prefer to bat first to avoid chasing on a turning surface or a rain-shortened final day.
Why Jasprit Bumrah Isn’t Playing & Who’s Stepping In in his Place?
Bumrah’s Absence & India’s New Pace Attack
India will be without their bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah in the 2nd Test at Edgbaston, and it’s not due to injury but planned workload management. The decision, though strategic, comes as a surprise considering Bumrah’s fiery performance in the 1st Test, where he took 5 wickets in the first innings and rattled England’s top order. Team management, led by Gautam Gambhir, has confirmed that Bumrah will only feature in 3 of the 5 Tests, to keep him fresh for the long season ahead.
While some experts like Sanjay Manjrekar believe resting him in such a crucial match “makes no sense,” others see it as a bold tactical call. In his place, all eyes are on Akash Deep, a promising right-arm pacer known for exploiting swing and seam conditions—perfect for English pitches. Backed by Irfan Pathan and already part of India’s practice sessions, Deep is likely to share the new ball with Siraj. His ability to bowl tight lines and generate movement off the deck could be key. Bumrah’s absence will definitely test India’s bench strength, and this match will show whether the young guns like Akash Deep are ready to fill big shoes in a high-pressure series.
What Does This Mean for Team India?
- Bowling Depth Under Test: With Bumrah rested, India will bank on Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and seam-bowling all-rounders like Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh. Morne Morkel has also emphasized the need for young Nitish Reddy to step up.
- Swing-Friendly Setup: In Bumrah’s absence, the team’s strategy will focus more on exploiting seam and swing — a department where Akash Deep could shine.
- Tactical Balance at Stake: This move challenges India’s team balance, but if replacements deliver under pressure, this rest could be seen as a smart long-term move
Big Challenge Ahead for Shubman Gill as Captain
As Shubman Gill steps into the role of captain for the Indian Test team, he faces one of the toughest challenges of his career. Leading a young side at Edgbaston, a venue where India has never won a single match, puts immense pressure on his shoulders. With senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma having retired from Test cricket, Gill is now the face of a new generation of Indian cricketers.
Unlike England’s squad, which boasts experienced stars like Joe Root and Ben Stokes, India will rely heavily on youngsters still finding their feet in international cricket. The absence of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah adds to the captain’s burden, especially on a pitch that favors seam movement.
Gill will need to prove not just his tactical skills but also his temperament under pressure. If he manages to lead India to a win at Edgbaston and eventually seal the series, it would be a historic moment in Indian Test cricket — a statement that the new generation is ready to carry forward the legacy. But the road ahead is steep, and every decision will be under the microscope.
Ind vs eng 2nd Test: Can Shubman Gill’s Team Break the Edgbaston Curse?
India’s Test series in England has always been a tough frontier, but the 2nd Test at Edgbaston holds even more weight under the leadership of young captain Shubman Gill. With the retirement of giants like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Gill steps into shoes that carry legacy and pressure alike. So far, India has never won a Test match at Edgbaston birmingham, and that stat looms large over the team’s morale. However, Gill isn’t shying away — in fact, he called winning in England “bigger than an IPL trophy,” showing his hunger to create something historic.