India vs England: A befitting reply to Bazball in Edgbaston

India showcased a dominant performance in the second Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham, securing a historic victory that not only levelled the five-match series 1-1 but also marked their maiden Test win at the iconic English venue. Before this triumph, India had played eight Tests at Edgbaston since 1967, suffering seven defeats and managing just one draw. The win, therefore, carried immense significance for the visitors, both in terms of series momentum and historical achievement. From the very beginning of the match, India looked in control across all departments. Their batters laid a strong foundation with massive first-innings scores, and the bowlers executed their plans with precision to dismantle England’s batting line-up twice.

India vs England: Bazball gets the perfect beating in Edgbaston

The result was a resounding 336-run victory — one of India’s most comprehensive Test wins on English soil. The win was not just about numbers but the manner in which it was achieved. India outclassed England in every session, setting the tone early and never allowing the hosts to recover. It was a complete team effort — the top-order batters delivered under pressure, the bowlers, led by Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj, were relentless, and the team’s energy in the field never dropped across five demanding days.

Former England spinner Monty Panesar believes India’s emphatic win at Edgbaston is a clear indication that they are not intimidated by England’s aggressive 'Bazball' approach. The ultra-attacking style of play, introduced under the leadership of Test captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum, has redefined England’s red-ball game in recent years. However, India’s commanding performance in the second Test, which saw them dominate all five days and register their first-ever victory at the iconic venue, has put a dent in that narrative.

In the latest cricket update, Panesar praised the Indian team for showing composure and tactical brilliance in the face of Bazball’s aggressive batting mindset. According to him, the win demonstrates that India not only have the talent but also the mental strength and discipline required to counter England’s new-age cricketing philosophy. The victory has given the visitors much-needed momentum heading into the third Test at Lord’s, with the series now evenly poised at 1-1.

"India will gain a lot of confidence from this. It shows they're not afraid of England's Bazball approach. There's a great deal of excitement and belief in the team. Shubman Gill has shown exceptional leadership; also, he has batted really well," stated former England spinner Monty Panesar. 

"This is India's first-ever Test win at Edgbaston — a truly historic moment. The team will head into the Lord's Test with confidence, knowing they can beat England," he added. 

Monty Panesar lauded India’s impressive bowling unit, noting that it would become even more formidable with the return of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah in the third Test at Lord’s, beginning Thursday, July 10. Bumrah, who was rested for the Edgbaston Test as part of workload management, is expected to add firepower to an already potent Indian attack.

Panesar also heaped praise on young pacer Akash Deep, who delivered a breakout performance in just his second Test. The Bengal fast bowler claimed a remarkable 10-wicket haul at Edgbaston, consistently troubling England’s top order with the new ball. His ability to strike early in both innings set the tone for India’s historic 336-run win and earned admiration from across the cricketing world.

"Taking 20 wickets in a Test match is a big achievement for India. They've found a solid bowling combination, and with Jasprit Bumrah likely to return for the next match, the bowling attack will only get stronger," Panesar concluded.