Yashasvi Jaiswal Eyes 100 on Day 1 as IND vs ENG 2nd Test Picks Up Post Lunch

The high-stakes India vs England Test series continues to unfold dramatically as the 2nd Test picks up post lunch on Day 1 at Edgbaston. With India trailing 0-1 in the five-match series and facing a daunting Test record at this venue, all eyes are on how the team navigates the challenge—especially without pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah in the playing XI.

India’s decision to rest Bumrah for the second Test has sparked widespread debate, but the rationale behind it is rooted in long-term planning and workload management. With the third Test at Lord’s just four days away and conditions there more favorable to seam bowling, the team has chosen to conserve its strike bowler.

As the 2nd Test picks up post lunch, the Edgbaston crowd has witnessed a gritty, determined Indian side grappling with early English pressure. Captain Shubman Gill, leading India in this crucial game, has already emphasized how important the match is—not just to level the series but to defy the odds at a historically unkind venue.

Bumrah’s Absence and Strategic Rotations

Before the series began, the Indian team management made it clear that Bumrah, returning from a prolonged injury layoff, would only feature in three of the five Tests. The logic was to ensure he remains match-fit for the entire tour. Given Edgbaston’s short turnaround before Lord’s and Bumrah’s value in conditions likely to offer swing and seam, the move is a calculated risk.

To fill the void, India brought in Akash Deep, a promising fast bowler, who has now joined forces with Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna. With the 2nd Test picks up post lunch, all eyes are on how this new-look pace attack handles the experienced English lineup.

The other two changes in the Indian XI see Washington Sundar replacing Shardul Thakur and Nitish Kumar Reddy coming in for Sai Sudharsan. Notably, Karun Nair has been promoted up the order to No. 3 after his gritty showing in Leeds.

India’s Record at Edgbaston

Historically, Edgbaston has been a nightmare for India. With seven losses and one draw in eight previous Tests at this venue, the team knows the odds are stacked against them. However, Indian captain Shubman Gill believes that 2025 might just turn the tide.

“This year has been a year of chaos. A lot of teams who haven’t won a lot have won, so maybe that’ll change fortunes for us,” Gill said at the toss. As the 2nd Test picks up post lunch, that hopeful sentiment will be tested against a confident English side.

Toss and England’s Bowling Plans

England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and, unsurprisingly, elected to bowl first. “We’re going to bowl,” Stokes said at the toss. “Overhead conditions are for bowling.” The conditions have indeed been favorable for seamers with cloud cover and early movement, which England’s pacers are expected to exploit throughout Day 1.

England fielded the same XI that secured a five-wicket win at Headingley. With consistent performers like Joe Root, Harry Brook, and Chris Woakes in the mix, the home side is looking to double their lead.

Opening Session Review

India’s top order faced a stern examination in the morning session. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul showed patience, with Jaiswal particularly looking solid. The left-hander has become a vital cog in India’s Test setup, and his ability to absorb pressure was evident once again.

As the 2nd Test picks up post lunch, Jaiswal is nearing a potential century, having looked assured throughout the morning. His fluent drives, compact defense, and excellent shot selection are giving India some much-needed stability at the top.

Tribute to Wayne Larkins

Before play began, both teams observed a minute’s applause in memory of former England opener Wayne Larkins, who passed away on June 28. England’s players also wore black armbands as a mark of respect. The gesture added a moment of solemnity and tradition to what promises to be a fiercely competitive contest.

Indian Batting Order Shake-Up

The Indian batting order saw a notable change with Karun Nair moving up to the No. 3 spot. Nair, who batted at No. 6 in the previous Test, has been promoted to stabilize the top order. With Gill and Pant to follow, India’s middle order appears more compact and balanced.

As the 2nd Test picks up post lunch, fans will be eager to see how India’s shuffled batting order holds up against an experienced English bowling unit.

Key Performers So Far

Yashasvi Jaiswal

Jaiswal has emerged as India’s standout batter this session. His ability to rotate strike and pounce on loose deliveries has helped keep the scoreboard moving. If his current form continues, he could be looking at his second Test century soon.

Chris Woakes

Woakes has been the pick of England’s bowlers so far. With consistent lines and subtle movement, he has troubled both edges of the bat. As the 2nd Test picks up post lunch, Woakes will be central to England’s hopes of breaking partnerships and tightening their grip.

India’s Bowling Reserves Tested

Without Bumrah, the Indian bowling unit is under immense pressure to deliver. Akash Deep has a golden opportunity to make a mark on debut. Prasidh Krishna and Siraj will have to shoulder added responsibility and find ways to reverse the pressure once India takes the field with the ball.

Washington Sundar adds variety with his off-spin, and his ability to contribute with the bat strengthens India’s lower-middle order. As the 2nd Test picks up post lunch, Sundar’s dual role could be pivotal in balancing the team dynamics.

The Road Ahead

The 2nd session is crucial in shaping the momentum of this Test. If Jaiswal can convert his solid start into a century and India can post a challenging first-innings total, they’ll be in a strong position to bounce back in the series. However, the conditions remain tricky, and England’s attack is far from lenient.

With the 2nd Test picks up post lunch, the narrative is unfolding quickly. Every run and every wicket could swing the match—and possibly the series.

Conclusion of 2nd Test Picks Up Post Lunch

As the 2nd Test picks up post lunch, the drama at Edgbaston continues to intensify. India, without Jasprit Bumrah, are up against both history and a charged England squad. Strategic changes, promising starts, and tactical depth will all be tested in this session and beyond.

Shubman Gill’s men have shown early signs of resilience, but consistency across sessions will be key. With players like Jaiswal stepping up and a restructured XI in place, the comeback is possible—but only if India capitalizes on every opportunity.

The battle is far from over. And as the 2nd Test picks up post lunch, every ball carries the weight of history, pressure, and the unrelenting pursuit of redemption.