Edgbaston Test: Can India Set an Unbeatable Target for England?

Edgbaston Test: The second Test between India and England, being played at Edgbaston, has now taken an exciting turn. By the end of the third day, India had taken a lead of 244 runs over hosts England. India had scored 587 runs in their first innings thanks to Shubman Gill’s double century, while England’s first innings were bundled out for 407 runs.

Now India has further strengthened its position by scoring 64 runs for the loss of 1 wicket in the second innings.

England’s Resistance: Brook-Smith’s Heroics and Siraj’s Comeback in Edgbaston Test

England’s top order collapsed early, but a brilliant 303-run stand between Harry Brook and Jamie Smith revived hopes. Brook scored 158 while Smith smashed 184. However, once the duo was dismissed, the rest of the lineup fell quickly, with Mohammed Siraj taking 6/70. Akash Deep also impressed, picking up four wickets, including Brook’s.

England First Innings Key Scores:

• Harry Brook – 158 (234)

• Jamie Smith – 184 (207)

• England Total – 407 all out

India’s Game Plan: Set a Target Beyond Reach

In the first Test at Leeds, England easily achieved the target of 371 runs, so captain Shubman Gill and his team would like to avoid giving any target less than 400. India will try to bat for at least two and a half sessions on the fourth day and put England to bat in the last few overs of the fourth day. Under this strategy, India would like to give England a target of around 500 runs, so that it would be difficult for the host team to achieve it on the last day.

The biggest successful run chase at Edgbaston has been 378 runs, which England achieved by winning by 7 wickets against India in 2022. Apart from this, a target of more than 300 runs has never been chased on this ground. Still, India would not want to take any risk and would like to take their lead close to 500 by adding at least 250 more runs on the fourth day.

Read Also: Best Bowling by Visiting Pacers at Edgbaston

Highest Run Chases at Edgbaston (Test Matches)

India’s current 244-run lead puts them in a strong position. With a couple of good batting sessions on Day 4, they can aim to seal this Test with a historic win.