India’s top order held its nerve on a cloudy Birmingham morning, reaching 98 for 2 at lunch on Day 1 of the second Test against England.
With Jasprit Bumrah rested and three fresh faces in the lineup, questions lingered. But Yashasvi Jaiswal’s crisp half-century gave India a solid footing after early pressure from England’s quicks. Skies were grey, the ball was swinging, and KL Rahul didn’t last long. Still, India didn’t unravel.
Jaiswal the Rock on a Tricky Morning
The day began with Edgbaston under a thick sheet of cloud. Ben Stokes won the toss and didn’t hesitate — England would bowl.
India, trailing 0-1 in the series, had three changes. Bumrah was rested. Akash Deep, Nitish Reddy, and Washington Sundar stepped in.
Jaiswal didn’t blink. After Rahul edged one for just 2 off 26 balls, the 22-year-old opener took charge.
He flicked, drove, and left smartly, playing late under his eyes. The fifty came off just 70 balls — no risk, no fuss, just class.
Karun Nair, recalled and slotted in at No. 3, provided solid backup.
They put on 80 together. Not flashy. Just effective.
Karun Nair’s Return Starts Well but Ends Short
Nair’s knock — 31 off 50 — had purpose. Coming back into the Test team after a long hiatus isn’t easy.
His timing was clean. He tucked away singles and punished anything loose.
But just before lunch, Brydon Carse found lift on a short ball that kicked off the deck.
Nair fended, instinctively. Edge. Caught in slips.
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Key Second-Wicket Stand: 80 runs between Jaiswal and Nair
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Dismissal: Nair caught by Brook off Carse
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Shot of the session: Jaiswal’s off-drive through covers on the up
It wasn’t flashy Test cricket, but it was textbook — see off the new ball, cash in when bowlers miss their lines.
Gill Walks In, England Miss a Trick
With Nair gone and one over to lunch, Shubman Gill walked in.
It wasn’t the easiest time to bat. Carse had his tail up. Anderson was prowling. But Gill kept his head down.
India reached the break at 98/2. Two wickets down, but not down and out.
One thing was clear: England’s bowlers didn’t quite get enough out of the surface.
There were moments, yes — Woakes bowled a peach to Rahul. Carse got Nair. But Robinson looked off rhythm. Anderson was probing but not menacing.
England had opted for control over chaos. And India, to their credit, took full advantage.
Bumrah’s Absence Felt, But India Think Long-Term
The biggest talking point before play? No Bumrah.
India’s spearhead was rested — not dropped, just preserved.
Shubman Gill, at the toss, hinted it was purely workload-based. The third Test begins at Lord’s in four days.
That ground, with its slope and swing-friendly air, suits Bumrah better. But still, no Bumrah meant no teeth.
So how did India cover the hole?
Washington Sundar replaced Shardul Thakur. Akash Deep came in for Bumrah. Nitish Reddy, a fresh face, slotted into the middle order.
England, on the other hand, stayed unchanged. No surprises there. They wanted consistency after Headingley.
Here’s how the two sides shaped up for the match:
| India XI | England XI |
|---|---|
| Jaiswal, Rahul, Nair, Gill (c) | Crawley, Duckett, Pope, Root |
| Reddy, Sundar, Bharat (wk) | Brook, Stokes (c), Bairstow (wk) |
| Akash Deep, Siraj, Kuldeep | Woakes, Carse, Robinson, Anderson |
Wayne Larkins Tribute: A Pause Before the Storm
Before a ball was bowled, there was a moment of stillness.
Both teams lined up to pay their respects to Wayne Larkins — the former England opener who passed away on June 28.
The applause was brief but heartfelt. England’s players wore black armbands in tribute.
The national anthems followed. Then the battle resumed.
The crowd, mostly English but peppered with Indian jerseys, gave Jaiswal a generous cheer as he reached fifty. Respect all around.
What’s Next? Cloudy Skies and Cloudier Plans
The afternoon session looms large.
Overhead conditions haven’t changed much. It’s still cloudy, a bit muggy. Swing’s in the air.
England will want early breakthroughs — especially Jaiswal, who looks set for something big.
India? They’ll be eyeing 250-plus by stumps.
Gill hasn’t hit form yet this series. But he’s got time. The pitch isn’t misbehaving. The ball’s still moving a bit, but nothing crazy.
And if Jaiswal continues the way he’s going, England might just find themselves chasing leather all afternoon.
One thing’s for sure — this Test isn’t crawling. It’s moving at a brisk clip.
Gill and Jaiswal at the crease. Game well and truly on.
