India achieved a historic milestone at Edgbaston, securing their first-ever Test victory at the venue and leveling the five-match series against England 1-1. The resounding 336-run win was powered by Akash Deep's exceptional 10-wicket haul and Shubman Gill's masterful captaincy, marking a memorable day for Indian cricket.
Akash Deep's performance was nothing short of sensational. Replacing Jasprit Bumrah in the playing XI, the 28-year-old pacer rose to the occasion, claiming 4 wickets in the first innings and a remarkable 6 wickets in the second, finishing with a match total of 10 wickets for 187 runs. This feat made him only the second Indian bowler to take 10 wickets in a Test match on English soil, following Chetan Sharma's achievement in 1986. Notably, Akash Deep became the first bowler since 1976 to dismiss four of England's top five batsmen in a Test innings. His victims included Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Harry Brook, and Chris Woakes in the first innings, and Duckett and Joe Root in the second. Akash Deep's match-winning performance not only earned him his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket but also etched his name in the record books.
Shubman Gill, leading the Indian side, played a pivotal role with his exceptional batting display. He became the first batsman in Test cricket history to record scores of 250 and 150 in the same match. Gill's majestic 269 in the first innings was followed by a dashing 161 in the second. Gill's aggregate of 430 runs in the match is the second-highest by any batter in a single Test match, only behind Graham Gooch's 456 against India in 1990. This stellar performance led India to post a mammoth 587 in their first innings, setting the stage for their dominant victory. Gill also became the Indian captain with the highest individual score, surpassing Virat Kohli's 254 not out.
The victory at Edgbaston holds immense significance for India, as it marks their first Test win at the venue in 58 years, since 1967. After losing the first Test at Headingley, the Indian team bounced back strongly, displaying resilience and determination to level the series. Defending a target of 608 runs in the final innings, India's bowlers, led by Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj, dismantled the English batting lineup, known for their counter-attacking approach. Mohammed Siraj was also instrumental in India's victory, bagging 6 wickets for 70 runs in England's first innings.
Several records were broken and milestones were achieved during the Edgbaston Test. Shubman Gill's twin centuries placed him in an elite club of players with centuries in both innings of a Test match. His 269-run innings is the highest score by an Indian captain in Tests, surpassing Virat Kohli's unbeaten 254. The win was also India's biggest Test win away from home in terms of runs, eclipsing their 318-run victory against the West Indies in 2019.
Following the win, Shubman Gill expressed his satisfaction with his game and hoped that his contributions would help India win the series. He also shared a social media post reflecting the team's grit and determination, which resonated strongly with fans and teammates. Akash Deep dedicated his match-winning performance to his elder sister, who has been battling cancer.
The final Test of the series will be played at Lord's.
