Akash Deep delivered a sensational performance to glide India to a historic 337-run victory over England in the second Test at Edgbaston on Sunday, levelling the five-match series at 1-1 and securing India's first-ever Test win at the historic venue.
The 27-year-old pacer had the time of his life, claiming 6-99 in England’s second innings to finish with ten wickets in the match — a feat that proved decisive in India’s emphatic win. His efforts not only earned him personal milestones but also helped India bounce back in the series after their defeat in the opening Test.
Rain delayed the start of play on the final day by nearly two hours, but once proceedings began at 5:10 PM IST, India immediately took control. England resumed at 72-3, still needing 536 runs for an improbable win.
Akash Deep struck early, dismissing overnight batters Ollie Pope and Harry Brook in a fiery opening spell that gave India crucial early momentum.
The pressure eased briefly for England when Akash Deep was taken out of the attack, allowing captain Ben Stokes and Jamie Smith to stage a short-lived resistance. However, just before lunch, Washington Sundar broke through by removing Stokes for 33, a vital blow against the run of play.
Jamie Smith England's Wicket Keeper Batsman, also the top-scorer with 88, continued to challenge the visitors with a counter-attacking innings. He shared a frustrating partnership with Chris Woakes, but their stand was broken when Prasidh Krishna claimed his first wicket of the match.
His innings accidently ended with a giffe when he attempted a third consecutive six against Akash Deep but holed out, marking the beginning of the end for England.
The final wicket fell to Akash Deep, fittingly capping his outstanding match performance. The catch was taken by India captain Shubman Gill, who had a match to remember with the bat, scoring a combined 430 runs across both innings — 269 in the first and a sublime 161 in the second.
India’s bowlers ensured that England never seriously challenged the towering 608-run target. The home side were bowled out for 271 in the second session, with only Smith offering meaningful resistance.
India’s declaration at 427/6 late on Day 4 had raised eyebrows, especially on a pitch that seemed to be easing. However, the aggressive intent from bowlers like Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj late on Saturday, where they claimed three quick wickets, proved that the decision was a masterstroke.
With this win, India have not only levelled the series but have also gained crucial momentum heading into the third Test at Lord’s, which begins on 10 July.
Brief Scores:
Scoreboard on day five of the second Test between India and England here on Sunday.
India 1st Innings: 587 England 1st Innings: 407 India 2nd innings: 427/6 decl.
England 2nd innings: Ben Duckett b Akash Deep 25 Zak Crawley c sub (Sudharsan) b Siraj 0 Ollie Pope b Akash Deep 24 Joe Root b Akash Deep 6 Harry Brook lbw b Akash Deep 23 Ben Stokes lbw b Washington Sundar 33 Jamie Smith c Washington Sundar b Akash Deep 88 Chris Woakes c Siraj b Prasidh7 Brydon Carse c Shubman Gill b Akash Deep 38 Josh Tonguec Siraj b Ravindra Jadeja 2 Shoaib Bashir not out12 Extras: (B-4, LB-4, W-2, NB-3) 13 Total: (all out in 68.1 overs) 273 Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-30, 3-50, 4-80, 5-83, 6-153, 7-199,8-226, 9-246, 10-271.
Bowling: Akash Deep 21.1-2-99-6, Mohammed Siraj 12-3-57-1, Prasidh Krishna 14-2-39-1, Ravindra Jadeja 15-4-40-1, Washington Sundar 6-2-28-1.
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