The most important 2nd Test between England and India kicks off on July 2 at 3:30 PM IST. Cricket fans and bettors are eager for the action. England leads the five-match series 1-0 after a solid win in the first Test. Now, everyone wonders if India can recover or if England will extend its lead.
England has a 56% chance of winning. India is at 26%, and there’s an 18% chance of a draw. So, England is the favourite. But cricket, especially Test cricket, can be unpredictable. Let’s look at what to expect in this Test. We’ll discuss team form, player updates, pitch details, and smart betting tips.
Match Info
- Series: ENG vs IND, 2nd Test, India Tour of England
- Date: Wednesday, July 2, 2025 – Sunday, July 6, 2025
- Time: 3:30 PM IST
- Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham
- Umpires: Chris Gaffaney, Sharfuddoula
- Third Umpire: Paul Reiffel
- Match Referee: Richie Richardson
England Squad Analysis
England looks solid, balanced, and confident. Jofra Archer’s return adds more power to the team. With Ben Stokes leading, their all-round department looks strong.
Key Batters:
- Joe Root: The backbone of the English middle order. With his technique and experience, he’s always a safe bet to pile on runs.
- Zak Crawley: In form and aggressive at the top, his ability to dominate in the powerplay could set the tone.
- Ben Duckett and Harry Brook are young players. They can change the game with their aggressive batting.
Bowling Threats:
- Jofra Archer: Back in action and bowling serious pace—he could be the X factor.
- Chris Woakes is deadly in English conditions with his swing and seam.
- Rehan Ahmed is a leg-spinner. He has a lot of variety and bounce. He is especially effective when the pitch begins to turn.
X-Factor: Ben Stokes—captain, motivator, and match-winner. Whether with the bat or the ball, Stokes has a habit of delivering in high-stakes moments.
India Squad Overview
India will be under pressure but has the tools to respond. The inclusion of seasoned pacers and a powerful middle order gives them enough depth. But it’s execution that will matter most.
Top Order Concerns:
- Shubman Gill (Captain): Must turn early runs into big scores. Leading the team brings pressure.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal shows talent and explosiveness. But he needs to be more consistent outside the subcontinent.
- KL Rahul: Returning to the squad can stabilise the innings if the top order collapses.
Middle Order Anchors:
- Fans know Rishabh Pant (WK) for his attacking counterpunches.
- Ravindra Jadeja: The all-rounder role is crucial. Tight bowling and fast runs can shift the game’s momentum.
Bowling Arsenal:
- Jasprit Bumrah: Lethal in any conditions. He will lead the pace attack with hostility and control.
- Skilled seamers Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh showcase their talent. They can take complete advantage of the favourable swing conditions on English pitches.
- Kuldeep Yadav: Spinners could play a bigger role on Days 4-5.
X-Factor: Shardul Thakur – Useful with the bat and a regular wicket-taker. He changes games in tough moments.
Form & Head-to-Head
England’s win in the first Test has given them both momentum and a psychological edge. Historically, England has achieved a strong record when playing home matches. But don’t forget India’s series win in 2021, where they played dominant cricket in similar conditions.
The last five head-to-head tests in England:
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- England Wins: 3
- India wins: 1
- Draws: 1
India has shown fight in English conditions before. In the first match, the team suffered due to problems with the top order. They also did not use the second new ball effectively, which hurt them badly.
Key Match-Ups to Watch
- Bumrah vs Root: This duel could define the innings. Root’s ability to handle Bumrah’s yorkers and bounce will be critical.
- Stokes vs Jadeja: Left-arm vs left-handed battle that could lead to big breakthroughs.
- Crawley vs Siraj: Early swing from Siraj may test Crawley’s patience outside off-stump.
Pitch & Conditions
The weather forecast shows cloudy skies for most of the next five days. This is great news for swing bowlers. Expect the pitch to offer assistance to seamers on Day 1 and Day 2, while spinners might come into play by Day 4.
- Average First Innings Score: 280–320
- Win Toss, Bowl First? Likely, considering overcast skies and moisture on the surface.
- Batting second can be tough. Recently, chasing under pressure at this venue has been challenging.
Strategic Wagering Insights
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Potential Top Run Scorers
- England: Joe Root or Harry Brook (based on current form)
- India: Rishabh Pant or Shubman Gill
Likely Top Wicket-Takers
- England: Jofra Archer (if fully fit), Woakes
- India: Bumrah and Kuldeep (if included in XI)
Prop Bets to Watch
- Most sixes in the match: Pant or Stokes
- First innings lead: Likely England if India bats first.
- Player of the Match Odds: Jofra Archer (high value bet), Rishabh Pant (aggressive value pick)
These insights derive from previous performances and current form. Always verify team news and toss outcomes before making any decisions.
What’s at Stake?
If India loses this match, they will be down 0-2 in the five-match series. That’s a tough spot to overcome in England. A win for England gives them control of the series and adds to their World Test Championship points.
This Test match has the potential to be a classic. Key players are back on both teams, and the conditions are unpredictable.
Final Prediction
Given the squad depth and home advantage, England enter as favourites. But India has a reputation for bouncing back under pressure. If the top order performs well and Bumrah strikes early, expect a tight match.
- Predicted Outcome: England win (55% chance)
- But a Draw is not out of the question, especially if rain interrupts play on Days 3 or 4.
Expert Tip:
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