India vs England 2nd Test 2025: Squads, Pitch Report, Preview

Introduction

The intense battle between India and England continues as the teams meet for the 2nd Test of the 2025 series starting Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at Edgbaston, Birmingham. The first Test saw gripping sessions with both teams showcasing their strengths. As India looks to extend its dominance and England seeks redemption, fans worldwide await another thrilling five-day contest.

Match Details

Match: ENG vs IND, 2nd Test, India tour of England, 2025
Date: Wednesday, July 2, 2025 – Sunday, July 6, 2025
Time: 3:30 PM IST
Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham

Pitch and Weather Report

Edgbaston Pitch Conditions

Historically, Edgbaston offers balanced conditions. The pitch tends to favour fast bowlers in the first two days, with good seam and swing movement under cloudy English skies. However, as the match progresses, the surface usually becomes better for batting with consistent bounce. On Days 4 and 5, the pitch often assists spinners due to wear and footmarks.

Day 1-2: Fast bowlers advantage due to moisture and overhead conditions
Day 3: Best for batting with stabilised surface
Day 4-5: Turn and bounce expected for spinners

Weather Forecast

The forecast predicts partly cloudy conditions throughout the Test, with light showers possible on Days 3 and 4. Temperatures will range between 14°C to 21°C.

India Squad Analysis

Full India Squad

Shubman Gill (Captain)
Rishabh Pant (Vice-captain & WK)
Yashasvi Jaiswal
KL Rahul
Abhimanyu Easwaran
Karun Nair
Nitish Kumar Reddy
Sai Sudharsan
Dhruv Jurel (WK)
Ravindra Jadeja
Washington Sundar
Shardul Thakur
Jasprit Bumrah
Mohammed Siraj
Prasidh Krishna
Akash Deep
Arshdeep Singh
Kuldeep Yadav

Key Players to Watch

Shubman Gill: Captaincy adds responsibility; India will expect solid opening stands.
Rishabh Pant: Vital middle-order firepower and crucial behind the stumps.
Jasprit Bumrah & Mohammed Siraj: Lethal pace attack in English conditions.
Ravindra Jadeja: Batting stability with left-arm spin on a wearing Edgbaston pitch.

England Squad Analysis

Full England Squad

Ben Stokes (Captain)
Jofra Archer
Shoaib Bashir
Jacob Bethell
Harry Brook
Brydon Carse
Sam Cook
Zak Crawley
Ben Duckett
Jamie Overton
Ollie Pope
Joe Root
Jamie Smith (WK)
Josh Tongue
Chris Woakes

Key Update

Jofra Archer returns to England’s Test squad after a long injury layoff. His pace and bounce could be decisive, especially at Edgbaston, where he has performed well historically. His inclusion is the only change from the first Test squad.

Key Players to Watch

Ben Stokes: All-round contributions under pressure.
Joe Root: England’s most dependable batter against India.
Jofra Archer: Pace spearhead returning with match-winning potential.
Chris Woakes: Experience in home conditions with both bat and ball.

Recent Form and Series Context

India dominated parts of the first Test, showing composure in overseas conditions. However, England, under Stokes’ leadership, remains aggressive with their Bazball approach. The series currently stands at India leading 1-0, and the hosts will aim to level before heading into the third Test.

Team Strategies

India

Bowling: Exploit early swing with Bumrah, Siraj, and Arshdeep Singh.
Batting: Stability from top-order with attacking middle overs from Pant and Jadeja.
Spin: Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav will be key on Days 4-5.

England

Batting: Aggressive strokeplay to counter Indian bowlers.
Bowling: Archer’s pace to trouble Indian batters combined with Woakes’ movement and Bashir’s spin later.

Key Battles to Watch

Jasprit Bumrah vs Joe Root: Consistent line and reverse swing threat to England’s best batter.
Jofra Archer vs Shubman Gill: New ball challenge with bounce and pace.
Ben Stokes vs Ravindra Jadeja: All-rounders aiming to outperform each other with bat and ball.

FAQ

1. When is the India vs England 2nd Test 2025 scheduled?
The match starts on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at Edgbaston, Birmingham.

2. Who is captaining India and England in this match?
India: Shubman Gill; England: Ben Stokes.

3. What is the pitch report for Edgbaston?
Edgbaston offers early seam and swing for fast bowlers with spin coming into play on Days 4-5.

4. What is the key squad update for England?
Jofra Archer returns after a long injury layoff, strengthening England’s pace attack.

Helpful Resources

Conclusion

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