England vs India 2025, 2nd Test Day 5: Recap & Quotes

England vs India 2025, 2nd Test Day 5: Recap & Quotes

The second Test match of the India vs England series at Edgbaston, Birmingham, concluded on July 6, 2025, with India securing a historic 336-run victory, leveling the series at 1-1. Day 5 showcased India’s dominance, driven by Akash Deep’s sensational 10-wicket haul and Shubman Gill’s exceptional leadership. Below, we highlight the most impactful commentary and cricketer quotes from Day 5, including official statements from key commentators and players sourced from X posts, followed by a comprehensive match summary capturing the drama and brilliance of a pivotal day in Test cricket.

Key Commentary Quotes

Commentator Platform Statement
Sunil Gavaskar X Post "It’s been a thorough drubbing of England by India. Full marks to captain Gill."
Harsha Bhogle X Post "A little more rain on the way but all the forecasts say this is the last bit for the day."
Abhimanyu Bose ESPNcricinfo "An enthralling five days of cricket, with runs and action galore, comes to an end with a famous Indian victory."
Ali Martin The Guardian "Akash Deep claims six wickets as India crush England to level Test series."

Commentary Analysis

  • Sunil Gavaskar’s Praise: Gavaskar’s statement on X during Day 5 commentary celebrates India’s comprehensive victory and Shubman Gill’s leadership, marking the historic win at Edgbaston, India’s first in 19 attempts at the venue.
  • Harsha Bhogle’s Weather Update: Bhogle’s comment on X during a rain delay on Day 5, with India needing seven wickets, highlighted the tension in the Indian camp but also the optimism that play would resume, paving the way for their triumph.
  • Abhimanyu Bose’s Recap: Bose’s comment on ESPNcricinfo captures the thrilling conclusion, emphasizing India’s historic first Test win at Edgbaston, a venue where they had lost seven and drawn one of eight prior matches.
  • Akash Deep’s Heroics: Ali Martin’s statement in The Guardian spotlights Akash Deep’s match-defining six-wicket haul (6/99) in England’s second innings, a key factor in leveling the series.

Key Cricketer Quotes

Cricketer Platform Statement
Shubman Gill X Post (NDTV Sports) "The way we came back in bowling and fielding was tremendous to see."
Ben Stokes X Post (NDTV Sports) "As the game got deeper, the pitch began to suit the visitors more."
Cheteshwar Pujara BBC Test Match Special "The batters are looking to be positive. They know that they need a big total on this pitch. … They’ll have to get 500 to get in the game."
Michael Vaughan BBC Test Match Special "We are thinking that this England team have matured slightly and become smart so I am hoping that they can see a draw here as a get-out-of-jail…"
Brendon McCullum X Post (weRcricket) "I think, as the game unfolded, we probably looked back on that toss and said did we miss an opportunity there and it’s probably fair."

Cricketer Quote Analysis

  • Shubman Gill’s Leadership: Gill’s statement on X (NDTV Sports) reflects his pride in India’s bowling and fielding turnaround on Day 5, particularly after criticism following the first Test. His 430-run contribution (269 & 161) and match-winning catch cemented his status as the match’s standout performer.
  • Ben Stokes’ Reflection: Stokes’ comment on X (NDTV Sports) highlights how the pitch’s deterioration favored India’s bowlers, particularly Akash Deep, making it tough for England to counter on Day 5.
  • Cheteshwar Pujara’s Foresight: Pujara’s pre-match analysis on BBC Test Match Special accurately predicted the need for a massive total, with India’s 587 and 427/6 declared setting the stage for their victory.
  • Michael Vaughan’s Optimism: Vaughan’s Day 4 comment on BBC Test Match Special expressed hope for an England draw, but India’s bowling, led by Akash Deep, ensured a decisive win, highlighting the performance gap.
  • Brendon McCullum’s Admission: McCullum’s statement on X (weRcricket) reflects on England’s tactical error in choosing to bowl first, acknowledging that India’s batting dominance shifted the game decisively in their favor.

Match Summary

The 2nd Test at Edgbaston (July 2–6, 2025) saw India defeat England by 336 runs, leveling the five-match series at 1-1 in the 2025–2027 ICC World Test Championship. India, led by Shubman Gill, won the toss and batted first, scoring 587 in their first innings, with Gill’s 269, Ravindra Jadeja’s 89, and Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 87 leading the way. England replied with 407, driven by Harry Brook’s 158 and Jamie Smith’s 184, but Mohammed Siraj’s 6/70 and Akash Deep’s 4/88 kept them in check. India’s second innings of 427/6 declared, featuring Gill’s 161, Jadeja’s 69, and Rishabh Pant’s 65, set England a daunting target of 608 runs. England crumbled to 271 in 68.1 overs, with Akash Deep’s 6/99, including key dismissals of Joe Root and Jamie Smith, sealing India’s victory. Gill’s 430-run aggregate, the second-highest in Test history, and Akash Deep’s 10-wicket haul, only the second by an Indian in England after Chetan Sharma (1986), were defining moments. The win marked India’s first Test victory at Edgbaston in 19 attempts and their biggest away win by runs [ESPNcricinfo].

Conclusion

Day 5 of the India vs England 2nd Test was a showcase of India’s brilliance, with Akash Deep’s bowling and Shubman Gill’s leadership stealing the spotlight. Commentators like Sunil Gavaskar and Harsha Bhogle captured the magnitude of India’s dominance, while moments like Mohammed Siraj’s spectacular catch added drama to the victory. Cricketers, including Gill, Stokes, and McCullum, provided insights via X posts and other platforms, highlighting India’s strategic and individual brilliance. As the series heads to Lord’s for the third Test, with Jasprit Bumrah and Jofra Archer expected to return, India’s momentum sets the stage for an electrifying continuation.

 

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