At Edgbaston, Birmingham, England elected to field after winning the toss on the first day of the second Test against India. Chris Woakes made an early breakthrough, but India recovered to reach 98 for two at lunch.

Woakes bowled KL Rahul with an inside edge to end an excellent opening spell. Rahul, who is usually solid against the new ball, struggled to settle, and his dismissal was a reward for Woakes' nagging length and persistent questioning around the off-stump. Woakes bowled an immaculate spell, including four maidens, and deserved more than one wicket. He consistently troubled the batsmen with seam movement.

India started cautiously, scoring only nine runs in the first five overs. Karun Nair eased the pressure with regular boundaries, allowing Jaiswal to increase his scoring rate. Jaiswal reached his 11th Test fifty with three consecutive boundaries off Josh Tongue.

Just before lunch, Brydon Carse dismissed Karun Nair for 31, giving England a crucial breakthrough. Nair's promising innings ended when he edged a rising delivery from Carse to Harry Brook at second slip.

Yashasvi Jaiswal remained not out on 62 at lunch, continuing his impressive form. Shubman Gill was also at the crease, not out on 1.

India made multiple changes for this crucial match, resting Jasprit Bumrah and including Akash Deep in his place. India also brought in Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy, replacing Sai Sudharsan and Shardul Thakur. The decision to strengthen the batting lineup was debated, especially considering India's struggles to take 20 wickets in the previous Test.

England wore black armbands in memory of former England cricketer Wayne Larkins, who recently passed away.