Akash Deep Strikes as India Close in on Historic Edgbaston Test Victory Against England
Edgbaston, Birmingham – July 7, 2025: India are on the cusp of a historic first-ever Test win at Edgbaston, as Akash Deep’s lethal morning burst and Washington Sundar’s crucial scalp left England reeling at 153/6 at lunch on Day 5 of the second Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test.
After a lengthy rain delay, the match sprang back to life in dramatic fashion as India’s bowlers carved through England’s top and middle order. With 55.3 overs still left in the day and only four wickets in hand, England still need a mammoth 455 runs — a virtual impossibility — to chase down the target.
Akash Deep: England’s Nightmare Continues
Resuming from 69/4, England had a mountain to climb, and Akash Deep ensured the ascent became steeper. In just his second over of the morning, the seamer produced a back-of-length delivery that leapt off the pitch, struck Ollie Pope's elbow, and deflected onto the stumps.
His next victim, Harry Brook, was undone by a delivery that kept low and jagged back in sharply. The lbw decision was reviewed, but 'umpire's call' sealed Brook’s fate, with the ball predicted to hit the top of middle stump.
Akash’s spell now reads 4/58, including the prized scalps of Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Ollie Pope, and Harry Brook — arguably England’s most trusted batting line-up.
Washington Sundar Spins Out Stokes
India’s decision to enforce sharp bowling changes paid off as Washington Sundar was introduced just before lunch. England skipper Ben Stokes, who had begun to find rhythm with a few boundaries, fell victim to late drift and dip from Sundar. Trying to defend, he was trapped plumb lbw.
Stokes reviewed the decision, but ball-tracking confirmed it was crashing into the stumps, sending another wave of jubilation through the Indian camp and frustration through the English ranks.
Jamie Smith Stands Alone
England’s slim hopes now rest on Jamie Smith, who remains unbeaten on 32. After a heroic 184 not out in the first innings, Smith showed glimpses of defiance with three quick boundaries off Akash Deep. However, with India’s spinners turning the ball and the pressure mounting, the challenge ahead is colossal.
Match Summary
India:
- First Innings: 587 all out
- Second Innings: 427/6 declared in 83 overs
- Shubman Gill 161, Ravindra Jadeja 69
- Josh Tongue 2-93, Shoaib Bashir 2-119
England:
- First Innings: 407 all out
- Second Innings: 153/6 in 40.3 overs
- Ben Stokes 33, Jamie Smith 32 not out
- Akash Deep 4-58, Washington Sundar 1-2
India Lead by 455 Runs
Historic Moment in Sight
If India clinch victory in the remaining two sessions, it will mark their first-ever Test win at Edgbaston and level the five-match series 1-1. More importantly, the emergence of Akash Deep as a reliable strike bowler adds crucial depth to India’s pace arsenal in overseas conditions.
What’s Next
- Can India wrap it up quickly post-lunch?
- Will Jamie Smith pull off a miracle for England?
Stay tuned for live updates as the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test reaches a thrilling finale.