India vs England 2nd Test Day 5: Rain Threatens India’s Historic Edgbaston Win

Edgbaston, Birmingham | July 11, 2025 —

India stand just seven wickets away from scripting history at Edgbaston, but unpredictable British weather looms large as a potential spoiler on the final day of the second Test against England.

After dominating four days of play, thanks to a record-breaking performance by Shubman Gill and clinical bowling by India’s seamers, the visitors declared their second innings at 427/6, setting England a near-impossible target of 608 runs. England finished Day 4 on 72/3, still trailing by 536 runs with just seven wickets in hand.

Gill’s Historic Feat

India’s charge was powered by Shubman Gill, who etched his name into cricket history by becoming the first player ever to score 250 and 150 in the same Test match. His knocks of 267 in the first innings and 161 in the second set the tone for India’s dominance.

Captain Rohit Sharma’s bold decision to declare after tea on Day 4 underlined India’s intent to win despite looming weather concerns. “We knew time was short. We trusted our bowlers to get it done,” Rohit said at the post-day press briefing.

Siraj and Akash Deep Rattle England

The Indian pace battery made early inroads. Mohammed Siraj, who took six wickets in the first innings, sent opener Zak Crawley back for a duck in the second. Akash Deep, filling in for the injured Jasprit Bumrah, continued his dream debut with two quick wickets—removing Ben Duckett and Joe Root with precision.

At stumps, England were visibly shaken. Their hopes now rest on a combination of defensive batting and rain delays to salvage a draw.

Weather Update: Will Rain Save England?

According to the UK Met Office, Birmingham is likely to experience light rain and overcast conditions between 9 AM and 1 PM. Rain chances reduce significantly in the afternoon, offering hope for extended play in the second and third sessions.

For India, the cloud cover could aid swing, giving Siraj, Akash Deep, and Shardul Thakur a potential edge. But every delayed over will make England’s escape more plausible.

“The forecast gives England a slim chance. If rain knocks off 30-40 overs, this could end in a draw,” said former England captain Michael Vaughan on Sky Sports.

England’s Uphill Task

The target of 608 would be the highest successful chase in Test history, by a long margin. England’s best? 378 against India at the same venue in 2022. But with Joe Root and Crawley gone, the batting order faces a monumental challenge.

Jonny Bairstow and Ben Stokes, both known for counterattacking cricket, will need to bat long and resist the urge to play aggressively. “This isn’t just a game now—it’s a mental test,” said Harsha Bhogle on commentary.

What’s at Stake?

India have never won a Test at Edgbaston. Victory today would level the series 1-1 and exorcise the ghosts of past defeats at this venue. For England, escaping with a draw would be a psychological win and keep their hopes alive for the third Test.