ENG Vs IND: Here’s How India Have Fared In Test Matches At Edgbaston, Birmingham

When the Indian Test team arrived in Birmingham for the second Test of the ongoing series against England, the atmosphere was equal parts hope and history. After a heartbreaking loss in the first Test, the Men in Blue are desperate for redemption. Yet, the venue — Edgbaston — brings with it not just a chance at resurgence but also the shadow of a long, painful legacy.

India’s Test record at Edgbaston reads like a cautionary tale. In eight matches played at this iconic ground, India have never tasted victory. Seven defeats. One draw. And a lot of what-ifs. The scars are deep, and recent history — especially the painful 2022 defeat — makes the task ahead both daunting and dramatic.

As India prepares for this high-stakes encounter, let’s dive into the Edgbaston saga: its heartbreaks, heroics, and the hopes for a long-awaited triumph.

A Chance for Redemption

After a first Test that saw five centuries and dramatic momentum swings, India’s defeat on the final day stung deeply. England chased down the target with flair, leaving India with plenty of soul-searching. But the silver lining? There were standout performances — signs that India can compete and dominate.

Edgbaston, often a batter-friendly pitch as matches progress, offers a different challenge. The Indian team is packed with talent, grit, and flair. The time is ripe to rewrite history.

But to do that, India must overcome not just England — but Edgbaston itself.

Revisiting the 2022 Edgbaston Trauma

The last time India walked into Edgbaston for a Test, in July 2022, they were leading the series 2-1 — and brimming with confidence. After a solid first innings total of 416 — powered by a blistering 146 from Rishabh Pant and a composed 104 from Ravindra Jadeja — India looked in command.

They bundled England out for 284, with a healthy 132-run lead. Jasprit Bumrah, captaining India for the first time, impressed with his bowling and leadership. When England were reduced to 109/3 in their fourth-innings chase of 378, it looked like India would seal the series.

But then came the blitz.

Joe Root (142)* and Jonny Bairstow (114)* launched a counterattack that left India shell-shocked. Their unbroken 269-run stand came off just 316 balls, as they dismantled the Indian bowling with ease. The chase — England’s highest in Test history — ended in a stunning seven-wicket win.

For India, it wasn’t just a loss. It was a haunting.

India’s Test Record at Edgbaston: A Timeline of Wounds

Let’s rewind the clock and revisit each Test India has played at Edgbaston. From early collapses to individual brilliance that couldn’t save the day — the story is one of repeated heartbreak.

1. 1967 – Baptism by Fire

Result: England won by 132 runs

India’s first Test at Edgbaston was a humbling experience. Bowled out for just 92 in the first innings — their lowest total at the ground — they never recovered.

Ray Illingworth starred for England with the ball.
Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi tried to resist with a gritty 47, but India folded again.

2. 1974 – An Innings Defeat

Result: England won by an innings and 78 runs

India managed 165 and 216, but it was England’s bowlers — Chris Old and Geoff Arnold — who wreaked havoc.

Sudhir Naik showed fight with a solid 77, but the innings defeat stung.

3. 1979 – The Gower Show

Result: England won by an innings and 83 runs

David Gower’s majestic double century set the tone as India crumbled.

Gundappa Viswanath top-scored with 78, but India couldn’t avoid a follow-on — and the inevitable.

4. 1986 – The Lone Draw

Result: Match drawn

Finally, a break in the streak — though rain played saviour.

Mike Gatting’s 183* gave England a strong first innings.
Chetan Sharma’s 4-wicket haul was a highlight.
But bad weather ensured the game drifted to a draw — India’s only non-defeat at Edgbaston.

5. 1996 – Tendulkar vs the World

Result: England won by 8 wickets

This match will forever be remembered for Sachin Tendulkar’s sublime 122.

The Little Master stood tall even as the rest collapsed.
Dominic Cork and Chris Lewis feasted on India’s fragile batting.

6. 2011 – A Humiliation of Historic Proportions

Result: England won by an innings and 242 runs

India suffered their worst-ever defeat at Edgbaston.

Alastair Cook pummeled 294 runs.
MS Dhoni fought with a 77, but the team looked lost.
The bowling had no bite, the batting no resistance. A nadir.

7. 2018 – Kohli’s Lone Battle

Result: England won by 31 runs

A match that was thrilling — and painful.

Virat Kohli was at his imperial best: 149 in the first innings, 51 in the second.
Ishant Sharma claimed 5 wickets in England’s second innings.
But Sam Curran’s sensational all-round performance tilted the balance.

India fell short. Again.

8. 2022 – The Bairstow-Root Blitz

Result: England won by 7 wickets

The most recent, and arguably most painful.

Pant (146) and Jadeja (104) built a mountain.
Bumrah took charge admirably.
But Root and Bairstow tore through India’s spirits, as England completed a record chase.

Why Edgbaston Has Been India’s Test Graveyard

So what is it about Edgbaston?

Swing and Bounce: The pitch, especially on Days 1 and 2, offers seam and swing — conditions Indian batters have traditionally struggled with.
Strong English Record: England treats Edgbaston like a fortress. The crowd is loud, the atmosphere intense, and the home side always lifts its game here.
Mental Baggage: Over time, the weight of history may have added subconscious pressure on Indian sides.
Missed Moments: Across these matches, India have had opportunities — but failed to seize key sessions.

2025: A Chance to Rewrite History

This upcoming second Test isn’t just about levelling the series — it’s about exorcising decades of demons. India’s squad is a blend of youth and experience, aggression and patience. The bowling unit is versatile, the batting deep, and the leadership — likely under Rohit Sharma — steady.

Key players to watch:

Virat Kohli: If fit, he returns to the scene of his 149. Expect fire.
Rishabh Pant: If in the XI, can he recreate his 2022 Edgbaston magic?
Jasprit Bumrah: The captain from 2022 will want to finish what he couldn’t last time.
Ravindra Jadeja: His all-round brilliance could be pivotal on a Day 4/5 pitch.
Shubman Gill / Yashasvi Jaiswal: Can one of them play the defining innings?

For England, eyes will be on Root, Bairstow, and the ever-dangerous Anderson, if fit.

What’s at Stake

Series Redemption: A win here levels the series and flips the momentum.
Historic Milestone: India’s first-ever Test win at Edgbaston.
World Test Championship Points: Every Test counts towards the WTC table.
Psychological Edge: Winning at England’s fortress would be a colossal statement.

Final Word: Will This Be the Test India Turns the Tide?

History can haunt — but it can also inspire. The ghosts of 1967, 1996, 2011, and 2022 lurk in the stands at Edgbaston. But so do the echoes of Tendulkar’s century, Pant’s counterattacks, and Bumrah’s fiery spells.

This second Test is more than just a fixture. It’s a fight against fate.

Will India finally win at Edgbaston?

If they do, it won’t just be a victory. It will be a liberation.

Cricket, after all, is a game of glorious uncertainties. But one thing is certain: come Edgbaston, the stage is set for something special.
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