India Set Mammoth Target as England Collapse in Second Test

Edgbaston: India dominated Day 4 of the second Test against England by setting a record target of 608 runs after declaring their second innings at 427 for 6. With this, India put themselves in a commanding position, leaving England with a mountain to climb in the final innings.

The highlight of India’s innings was Shubman Gill’s outstanding performance. After scoring a monumental 269 in the first innings, he followed it up with an unbeaten 161, becoming the first cricketer in Test history to register a double-century and 150+ in the same match. Gill’s calm and commanding batting allowed India to extend their lead to 484 runs by tea on Day 4 before the declaration.

In response, England’s top order collapsed under pressure. They ended the day at 72 for 3, losing key wickets including Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley (for a duck), and Joe Root, who was clean bowled by Akash Deep during a fiery spell. Mohammed Siraj also made crucial contributions with the ball. By stumps, Ollie Pope and Harry Brook were the only recognized batsmen left at the crease, facing an uphill battle against a confident Indian bowling attack.

With just one day left, England now face an almost impossible task of scoring over 600 runs to win or even bat out the day to force a draw. The pitch remains helpful for the bowlers, giving India a strong chance to level the series 1–1.

Read more: Australia Lead by 102 Runs as Rain Halts Play on Day 3 of 2nd Test Against West Indies