The England and India second Test is turning out to be a spicy affair with the English players resorting to a little bit of mind games with their counterparts at Edgbaston. Following England skipper Ben Stokes’ verbal exchange with Yashasvi Jaiswal on Day 1, the England players were at it once again when Chris Woakes and Stokes complained to the umpire about Ravindra Jadeja.
This was due to the English players alleging that Jadeja was landing on the danger area of the pitch and leaving some marks on it with the hosts concerned that the allrounder was deliberately doing it. The umpire was even seen talking to Jadeja about the issue with the allrounder. After that, Jadeja even defended himself after Stokes said “Look what you have done mate,” to which he replied, “But I was coming from here. I won’t bowl there anyway.”
“Why would I do that? My focus is on batting?”, the Indian added as Stokes did not look happy. Jadeja scored his fifty soon after before getting dismissed on 89 off Josh Tongue as he failed to put away a snorter which was taken by keeper Jamie Smith.
When @imjadeja runs, the fielders panic and commentators react #NavjotSinghSidhu’s reaction is pure gold!#ENGvIND 👉 2nd TEST, Day 2 | LIVE NOW on JioHotstar ➡ https://t.co/hiGDPrqlbR pic.twitter.com/uWp2anLbDp
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) July 3, 2025
Meanwhile, in the match, a record breaking doubled hundred from captain Shubman Gill put India in firm control of the second Test against England as they coasted to 564 for seven at tea on day two.
At the break, England had run out of ideas to stop Gill (265 batting off 380 balls), who forged a 144-run alliance with Washington Sundar (42 off 103).
The pitch remains flat and it would be a challenge for an inexperienced Indian bowling attack to take 20 wickets. The friendly batting conditions, however, doesn’t take the sheen away from Gill’s epic double.
Having hardly put a foot wrong with the bat, Gill also ensured that India did not cede the advantage to England from a strong position like they had done in Leeds in the series opener. With England short ball ploy not working and Shoaib Bashir being taken to the cleaners by Gill, England brought part timers Harry Brook and Joe Root in a desperate attempt.