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“Worst day in our Test history?” – Twitter reactions to West Indies 27 all-out against Australia

Charbel Coorey
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“Worst day in our Test history?” – Twitter reactions to West Indies 27 all-out against Australia

West Indies have endured one of their worst days in history, bundled out for 27 at the hands of a ruthless Australian attack at Sabina Park. Chasing 204 for victory after an inspired second innings performance with the ball, the hosts were all but gone after the first over, losing three wickets to a rampant Mitchell Starc.

It only got worse from there as the hosts were bowled out for the second-lowest score in Test history. Starc, playing his 100th match, took the fastest five-wicket haul in history, achieving the feat in just 15 deliveries. The left-armer had the ball on a string, and the West Indies top order simply had no answers to his immaculate control of swing and length.

There was no respite at the other end as Pat Cummins wasn’t even required. Josh Hazlewood was miserly as ever, taking 1/10 in his five overs, including three maidens. Then, Scott Boland soon entered the fray, and on a pitch offering plenty of assistance, it was only a matter of time as to when the Test – and series – would be over.

Boland took a hat-trick, dismsissing Justin Greaves, Shamar Joseph and Jomel Warrican via expert targeting of the stumps. It was another wonderful moment in Boland’s Test career, with this hat-trick added to a list of glittering achievements including 6/7 in his debut Test in the 2021/22 Ashes and the 10-wicket haul against India at the SCG earlier this year.

Mitchell Starc then finished with career-best figures of 6/9, cleaning up Jayden Seales to seal a mammoth victory. Seales, who had given his fair share of send-offs in the series, copped one in return as Australia completed a 3-0 series sweep.

“Embarrassing” – Fans react to West Indies 27 all-out

Australia scored 225 and 121, and still won by 176 runs. The Jamaica Test took a similar turn to the previous two, with the Windies blown away in the fourth innings after the bowlers kept them in the game. This, however, was a whole new level of annihilation.

Ian Bishop was scathing of the Windies batting on commentary. “This is ridiculous, he just finish bowling 5.2 overs ago, now he has to pick up the bat,” said Bishop of Alzarri Joseph.

The Caribbean Cricket Podcast were particularly critical of the performance and state of West Indies Test cricket. “For Bish [Ian Bishop] to finally lose it and call the performance wretched you know he’s been taken there. I’m just laughing cos I’ve known about these men for time. When I said relegate us to tier 2 men didnt want to listen,” they wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Here are some of the reactions to the carnage, including praise for Australia’s magnificent fast bowlers.

Despite the difficulties faced in the batting department, Australia leave the Carribean with a 3-0 series win. Questions remain about the top order ahead of the Ashes later this year, but with the bowling attack in this groove, they will remain difficult to beat.

Should England drop Zak Crawley? Fans call for change

Charbel Coorey
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Should England drop Zak Crawley? Fans call for change

Zak Crawley’s disappointing series against India continued as the opener was dismissed for 22 in a crucial period of England’s second innings against India at Lord’s.

Crawley fought through a tricky period early, especially against Bumrah who had the ball lifting appreciably off the surface. However, as has often been the case in his career, Crawley gave it away with a loose drive outside offstump. Nitish Kumar Reddy got the ball to shape away, and Crawley couldn’t resist, edging to Yashasvi Jaiswal at gully.

The dismissal drew widespread reactions from England fans. Many believe the selectors should move on from Crawley, who now averages under 31 (30.89) in 57 Tests. Better returns are expected in an era where England often play on good batting pitches.

Speaking during the lunch break, Stuart Broad expressed his disappointment at the repetitive nature of Crawley’s dismissals. “He did this at Edgbaston. Sort of a wide, full swingy thing that he’s not quite committed to properly. He should really be whacking that over extra cover if you’re going to really commit to it,” Broad said on the Sky Sports coverage.

ALSO READ: England fans react to Mohammed Siraj send off against Ben Duckett at Lord’s

Fans call for England to replace Zak Crawley

Two Tests remain in the India series. England’s next Test assignment will be the Ashes down under in November. Ultimately, the thinktank need to decide whether Crawley will be their man for these big games.

England fans, however, believe this is the end of the road. “That was a brave, lucky and then reckless innings from Zak Crawley. He took blows and gritted his teeth but as soon as he saw a less threatening bowler he gives it all away. Time to move on!,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter).

“Zak Crawley thanks for crunching Pat Cummins through the covers first ball of the 2023 Ashes, but it’s time to go,” wrote another.

Here are some of the reactions to Zak Crawley’s dismissal on day four of the Lord’s Test.

England were reduced to 98/4, leading by as many, by lunch on day four. A lot rests on Joe Root (17*), the out-of-form Ben Stokes and the red-hot Jamie Smith. On a pitch offering uneven bounce and much more movement compared to the first three days, a lead in the region of 200 can be a tricky chase for India.

“Unacceptable”: England fans react to Mohammed Siraj send off to Ben Duckett

Charbel Coorey
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“Unacceptable”: England fans react to Mohammed Siraj send off to Ben Duckett

The Lord’s Test had plenty of feeling as the sun set on day three, and the tension spilled over to the next morning as Mohammed Siraj gave Ben Duckett a send off after dismissing him.

Duckett was caught at mid on attempting a pull shot in the sixth over. Siraj was pumped, shouting “come on” numerous times, even in the face of Duckett as the opener began to walk off. There was contact between the two, but as Nasser Hussain pointed out on commentary, Siraj maintained his line down the pitch.

England fans react to Mohammed Siraj send off on day four of Lord’s Test

It was a moment that has not been well received by England fans. Supporters took to X (formerly Twitter) to criticise the actions of the pace bowler.

“Siraj screaming into Duckett’s face at close range was disgusting and totally unsportsmanship. Needs to fined for his action after that today,” wrote one fan. “That really is unacceptable behaviour from Mohammed Siraj…” wrote another.

Tensions rose on the third evening. India walked out believing they would have at least two overs at openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett after scores were level after the first innings. However, Crawley ensured only one over, bowled by Jasprit Bumrah, was possible.

Before the third delivery, Crawley pulled out citing movement behind the bowler’s arm. India’s slip cordon, led by Shubman Gill, were agitated. The fifth delivery hit Crawley on the glove, and immediately called for attention which led to heated confrontation between the players.

At the time of writing, England are 61/3 in their second innings on a Lord’s pitch that is showing signs of uneven bounce.

ENG vs IND: Dukes criticised after balls go out of shape yet again

Charbel Coorey
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ENG vs IND: Dukes criticised after balls go out of shape yet again

Stuart Broad has led a chorus of discontent around the state of the Dukes balls in the ongoing England-India Test series. Balls have been replaced regularly throughout the series, with both captains Shubman Gill and Ben Stokes constantly seen in conversation with umpires as to their condition.

It all reared to its head on the second morning of the third Test at Lord’s. India took three wickets with the second new ball thanks to an inspired spell from Jasprit Bumrah. However, the ball quickly lost its shape and was replaced after just 63 deliveries. The replacement was worse, and seemingly a lot older than the previous, and was replaced after just 48 deliveries.

“The cricket ball should be like a fine wicket keeper. Barely noticed. We are having to talk about the ball too much because it is such an issue & being changed virtually every innings. Unacceptable,” wrote Stuart Broad on X, formerly Twitter.

“Feels like it’s been 5 years now. Dukes have a problem. They need to fix it. A ball should last 80 overs. Not 10.”

Fans slam Dukes after two ball changes in the first session of day two of the Lord’s Test

Duke ball manufacturer Dilip Jagjodia responded to the recent criticism, claiming there can be no guarantees a ball will be perfect.

“Cricket balls come under criticism all the time,” he said in an interview with Indian Express. “Not just Dukes, it can be SG, Kookaburra. You need to give a brand new ball for a Test, making it a product that can’t be tested. And since it is made out of natural raw materials, you can’t 100 percent guarantee that every ball will be perfect. Nobody on the planet can make something like that.”

Fans took to social media to express their frustration as just 22 overs were bowled in the first session on day two of the Lord’s Test.

It will be interesting to see how England fare with the Dukes when it comes their turn to bowl. England were bowled out for 387 after a century to Joe Root and half-centuries to Jamie Smith and Brydon Carse. Jasprit Bumrah starred for India with a five-for.

Lord’s London weather forecast for 3rd ENG vs IND Test

Charbel Coorey
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Lord’s London weather forecast for 3rd ENG vs IND Test

The weather forecast looks magnificent for the highly anticipated third Test between England and India at Lord’s. India levelled the series thanks to a superb performance at Edgbaston, where they hammered the hosts by 336 runs. Shubman Gill’s team will be looking to build on that display.

On the other hand, England need a quick bounceback. They have decided to make one change, with Jofra Archer to play his first Test since 2021, in place of Josh Tongue.

Lord’s weather forecast for 3rd Test: Warm weather all match

AccuWeather forecasts very warm conditions for the entire Test. Temperatures are expected to cross 30 degrees on each of the first four days, with a high top of 29 on day five as well.

Lord’s weather for days 1 and 2 of the 3rd ENG vs IND Test.

Conditions may encourage the captain who wins the toss to bowl. Although there is a possibility the Lord’s surface will spin later in the game due to the heat, the pitch is expected to have the most assistance for the fast bowlers on day one. Also, the warm conditions can then settle the pitch down into one that becomes a dream for batting on days two and three.

So, batting well on day one is crucial. The team batting the majority of days two and three could go on to win this Test.

However, a closely fought first innings will make for an interesting finish. Given the hot and dry weather, the spinners may have a say on days four and five. This is potentially why England have chosen to persist with Shoaib Bashir despite calling for a pitch with “plenty of life in it”.

Lord’s weather for days 3, 4 and 5 of the 3rd ENG vs IND Test

Also, India may persist with the same team combination that took the field at Edgbaston, with Jasprit Bumrah for Prasidh Krishna the only change. Should India go with this approach, the thinking is Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep can deliver when the pitch is offering assistance. Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar can then impact the match later on.

South Africa won the recent World Test Championship Final after opting to bowl. 28 wickets fell on days one and two, before the Lord’s pitch eased out under sunshine on day three. Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram stitched a magnificent, matchwinning partnership that all but sealed the mace for the Proteas.

List of most consecutive wins in men’s Tests

Charbel Coorey
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List of most consecutive wins in men’s Tests

After beating Zimbabwe by an innings and 236 runs in Bulawayo, South Africa became the third nation to in history to win 10 or more consecutive Tests. It has been an excellent run dating back to last year, just a few months after the cricket world reacted to the Proteas sending a significantly understrength team to New Zealand as that series coincided with the 2024 SA20.

In this article, we will look at the teams South Africa joined in this elite list of 10+ consecutive wins in Tests.

Which team has the most consecutive wins in Tests?

16: Australia 1999-2001

The Australia team under Steve Waugh won 16 consecutive Tests between October 1999 and March 2001. The streak began with a ten-wicket win over Zimbabwe in Harare.

Along the way, Australia beat both Pakistan and India 3-0 at home in the summer of 1999/00. They also beat New Zealand 3-0 away in March 2000, followed by thrashing West Indies 5-0 at home in 2000/01.

The 16th win came against India at the Wankhede. Australia won that match easily by 10 wickets. They were then on track to win the second Test at Eden Gardens comfortably, before an all-time VVS Laxman-Rahul Dravid partnership led India to one of the best victories in history.

16: Australia 2005-2008

Australia won 16 Tests again, this time under Ricky Ponting between December 2005 and January 2008. The run began by beating South Africa by 184 runs in the 2005 Boxing Day Test, with Mike Hussey’s memorable 122 the standout performance as he and Glenn McGrath put on 107 runs for the tenth wicket. The latter contributed 11.

Australia went on to beat South Africa 3-0 in that series, which included Ponting hitting two centuries in his 100th Test. Two months later, the Australians beat the Proteas 3-0 away, before prevailing 2-0 in Bangladesh just a few weeks after finishing their tour of South Africa. Jason Gillespie hit his famous double century in the second Test at Chattogram. Later that year, Australia swept England 5-0 to reclaim the Ashes.

In November 2007, Australia kept the run going with a 2-0 series win at home to Sri Lanka. The run continued in the first two Tests against India in 2007/08, with the 16th victory coming in very controversial circumstances in Sydney. India were buoyed by this, ending Australia’s streak at 16 once again by achieving an outstanding victory in Perth.

11: West Indies 1984

The great West Indies team won 11 consecutive Tests in 1984. The run started by thrashing Australia by ten wickets in Barbados in March. Clive Lloyd’s team then went on to win the next two Tests to seal that series 3-0.

West Indies thrashed England 5-0 away from home just a few months later, before winning the first three Tests of their 1984/85 tour of Australia. The run came to an end in the Melbourne Test where Australia held on for a draw with just two wickets to spare.

10*: South Africa 2024-2025

After a rain-affected draw in their series opener in West Indies, South Africa began their 10-match winning streak by beating Kraig Brathwaite’s team by 40 runs in the second match.

Then, in a series where Bangladesh were a chance given they were playing at home, Proteas swept the hosts aside with ease. Following that tour, the Proteas beat Sri Lanka and Pakistan across four Tests at home to seal qualification to the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) Final.

June 2025 will go down as one of the great months in South African cricket. Temba Bavuma’s team overcame the odds by knocking off defending champions Australia at Lord’s. Bavuma himself was outstanding, battling injury to put on a matchwinning partnership with the magnificent Aiden Markram.

It was a victory Allan Donald deemed as one that “shuts the door that’s over 30-odd years old.”

The Proteas then notched up their next two wins by thrashing Zimbabwe 2-0. Lhuan dre-Pretorius made headlines for his debut hundred, before Wiaan Mulder drew widespread reaction for his decision to declare when batting on 367* in the second Test.

South Africa’s next Test assignment is two matches away to India in November 2025.

“His words were amazing” – Allan Donald reacts to Wiaan Mulder declaring on 367*

Charbel Coorey
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“His words were amazing” – Allan Donald reacts to Wiaan Mulder declaring on 367*

Former South Africa fast bowler Allan Donald was full of praise for Wiaan Mulder after the stand-in captain opted to declare when batting on 367 in the second Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo.

Mulder was well on track to break Brian Lara’s record of the highest individual score in Test history (400*), before deciding to cut the innings short with the Proteas having amassed 626/5d by lunch on day two.

““Well, first things first, I thought we’ve got enough, we need to bowl. And secondly, Brian Lara is a legend, let’s be real,” Mulder said.

“He got 401 [400*] or whatever it was against England. And for someone of that stature to keep that record is pretty special. I think if I get the chance again, I’d probably do the same thing.”

Allan Donald on Wiaan Mulder and his reaction to the decision to declare on 367*

In an exclusive interview with CricBlog, Donald praised Mulder as a cricketer and predicts a very bright future for the all-rounder. He shed light on his strengths and how his words about Brian Lara reflect his character. Below is the audio plus full transcript from the interview.

Praise for Wiaan Mulder…

“I’m extremely privileged to be working with this talented young man, Wiaan Mulder. He is an unbelievable cricketer. For me, he is a proper batter that can bowl. And I think the world is just about seeing what talent he really is, and what he can do.

“There’s already people going around saying ‘yeah, but it’s Zimbabwe’… I really, really couldn’t care less. When these opportunities come along, you’ve still got to cash in and go big. And that’s exactly what he’s done.”

On what the future holds for Wiaan Mulder…

I thought he played… I don’t think I’ve seen him play better than that [367* vs Zimbabwe]. And he will, I think at some point…. he will, against the bigger teams…. wouldn’t say he’s going to break world records like that against class, real class bowling attacks, but he will get hundreds.

“I think he’s an outstanding talent. Now armed with a national contract, I don’t think we’re going to be seeing him much at the Lions. I think he’s destined now to fill this space in the national team in all formats, and that’s his destiny and so it should be.

“He’s now ready and I think he’s found his mojo in Test cricket now. Whether he bats at three now moving on… a lot of other players are being rested for these two Test matches [against Zimbabwe], he’s really shown what class he has at number three.”

On declaring on 367 not out…

“His words were amazing, and that just typifies what a human being he is. Whether he decided it’s the right time to declare, I don’t know whether he was aware of the world record [Brian Lara’s 400*]. I’m pretty sure that he did. Whether Brian Lara knew or kept an eye on that is another thing, but for him to say that space belongs to Brian Lara and how he looks up to him as a cricketer vs. cricketer…. or ex-cricketer…. it just typifies what Wiaan Mulder stands for.

“And it’s wonderful to see him say that… that space belongs to the great Brian Lara. I know Brian extremely well… and he’s broken many, many records in his lifetime, and an outstanding cricketer.

“I’m pretty sure that someone would have told him [Lara], ‘hey there’s a young guy from South Africa that’s going to break the world record,’ and then all of a sudden that [the declaration] happens, and he has now gone past Graeme Smith, he’s gone past Gary Kirsten… hopefully this is the start of many, many big scores to come.

“He’s good to watch. He’s got time. He makes it look effortless. And long may it continue.”

South Africa went on to win the match by an innings and 236 runs. The victory was their tenth consecutive in Tests – their best run ever.

England predicted 11 for 3rd Test vs India at Lord’s: Numerous changes expected

Charbel Coorey
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England predicted 11 for 3rd Test vs India at Lord’s: Numerous changes expected

England are expected to go in with a new-look 11 for the third Test against India at Lord’s. The bowling attack is set to have some changes after the hosts conceded a whopping 1,849 runs across the first two matches. Plus, the bowlers have endured a heavy workload so far in the series.

Following the 336-run loss at Edgbaston, England brought Gus Atinkson into the squad. Jofra Archer is also available for selection, as are Jamie Overton, Sam Cook and Jacob Bethell.

England squad for Lord’s Test against India: Ben Stokes (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes.

England predicted 11 for Lord’s Test against India: 1. Ben Duckett, 2. Zak Crawley, 3. Ollie Pope, 4. Joe Root, 5. Harry Brook, 6. Ben Stokes (c), 7. Jamie Smith (wk), 8. Chris Woakes, 9. Gus Atkinson, 10. Jofra Archer, 11. Sam Cook/Shoaib Bashir

England’s top seven should remain the same despite concerns around the form of Zak Crawley and Ben Stokes. It is the bowling where big changes are expected, with the potential of a completely new attack.

Jofra Archer hasn’t played a Test since February 2021. According to ESPNcricinfo, however, Archer bowled regularly during intervals at Edgbaston with the aim of being ready for the Lord’s Test.

“He’s [Archer] fit and ready to go. Obviously the other boys have had two Test matches on the spin now, so you’d anticipate you would make a change at some stage with the line-up, and Jofra is one we’ll look at,” said coach Brendon McCullum on BBC’s Test Match Special, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Gus Atkinson is also set to return according to Matt Roller’s report in the aforementioned publication. “We need to have a good look at Gus,” McCullum said. “We’ll just see how the dust settles on this [Test]. The guys had quite a heavy workload. When you chase a bit of leather, you obviously go pretty deep into your spells as well. So we’ll see how they are, and then we’ll make the decision when we get down the road.”

McCullum confirms England aren’t considering Jacob Bethell in place of Shoaib Bashir

Also, despite the option of Jacob Bethell batting down the order, England won’t pick him in place of Shoaib Bashir. “He’s [Bethell] a batting option. He’s the next one in if something happens, but we don’t crowbar anything,” the England coach said.

“He’s taking the opportunity, while he’s got some downtime away from playing and still being around the squad, to work on his spin, and I think that’s got to be a good thing… But that’s certainly not what we’re looking at [bringing in Bethell for Bashir], at the moment.”

Bashir has largely struggled so far, with India picking him off with ease. The offspinner has taken eight wickets at 59.50, with the majority of his wickets caught on the boundary. However, McCullum threw his support behind the youngster and Roller reported that “Shoaib Bashir will also retain his spot after taking eye-watering match figures of 5 for 286 last week.”

“[Bashir] is a tough kid. We know how talented he is, and we believe he’s got an immensely high ceiling. We know he’s not the finished article yet, but I feel like he’s getting better and better… I think he continues to improve, and when conditions allow, he’s going to be a real force.”

However, given England have asked for a Lord’s pitch with “pace, bounce and movement,” the thinktank may decide to play four pace bowlers. This could prove vital in managing the workloads of Archer and Atkinson.

Assuming England go with four quicks including Archer and Atkinson, they will need to pick two of Chris Woakes, Josh Tongue, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook and Jamie Overton.

Woakes has taken three wickets at 96.66 in this series. England may avoid playing the 36-year-old after a short turnaround. However, Woakes has an outstanding record at Lord’s, with 32 wickets at an average of 12.91.

Josh Tongue and Brydon Carse have struggled for impact at certain stages, with Tongue’s ability to clean up the tail yielding him more wickets. But, England may opt for Sam Cook if the pitch has movement.

The third Test begins on Thursday July 10, three days after the completion of the second at Edgbaston. The five-match series is currently level 1-1.

What did Wiaan Mulder say about declaring on 367*?

Charbel Coorey
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What did Wiaan Mulder say about declaring on 367*?

Wiaan Mulder drew widespread reaction when he opted to declare batting on 367*, just 33 away from Brian Lara’s all-time record score of 400. The South Africa captain pulled the plug on the innings at lunch on day two of the second Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, after the Proteas had amassed 626/5.

South Africa bowled Zimbabwe out for just 170 in their first innings, with spinner Prenelan Subrayen taking 4/40 on debut. Mulder took two wickets himself before enforcing the follow on. The hosts ended day two 51/1, still trailing by 405 runs.

Why did Wiaan Mulder declare on 367*? The South Africa captain speaks out

Speaking to Shaun Pollock for SuperSport, Mulder said the record should remain Brian Lara’s. The captain said he also wanted his team to be bowling after lunch.

“Well, first things first, I thought we’ve got enough, we need to bowl. And secondly, Brian Lara is a legend, let’s be real,” Mulder said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

“He got 401 [400*] or whatever it was against England. And for someone of that stature to keep that record is pretty special. I think if I get the chance again, I’d probably do the same thing.”

Mulder revealed he spoke to Proteas coach Shukri Conrad, who encouraged him to ensure Lara’s record remained intact.

“I know I was speaking to Shuks [coach Shukri Conrad],” said Mulder. “He kind of said to me as well, like listen, let the legends keep the really big scores. You never know what’s my fate or whatever you want to call it, what’s destined for me. But I think Brian Lara keeping that record is exactly the way it should be.”

Mulder still broke a number of records. He went past Hashim Amla’s 311* as the highest individual score by a South African in Test cricket. Amla achieved the feat against England in 2012.

“And to be honest, when I went past Hash’s score, I didn’t really notice what actually happened until I looked up. I was on 312. I was like, oh, wow! I was just on 300. I don’t know how I got there, but yeah, I was truly special,” Mulder said.

Mulder’s 367* is now the fifth-highest individual score in Test history, behind on Lara (400*), Matthew Hayden (380), Lara again (375) and Mahela Jayawardene (374).

“Special and memorable” – Twitter reactions as India thrash England by 336 runs in 2nd Test at Edgbaston

Charbel Coorey
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“Special and memorable” – Twitter reactions as India thrash England by 336 runs in 2nd Test at Edgbaston

India have levelled the five-match series 1-1 after thumping England by 336 runs at Edgbaston. Apart from a 303-run partnership between Harry Brook and Jamie Smith, it was all India as they piled on the runs and took 20 wickets to seal their first-ever win on this ground.

Captain Shubman Gill led from the front with an outstanding performance, amassing 430 runs with a hundred and double hundred. However, the big questions heading into the Test for India is whether their attack had enough firepower to take 20 wickets. They did so with ease in the end.

Akash Deep delivered in spades. Brought into the side in place of the rested Jasprit Bumrah, Akash is now more than just a replacement, but rather an important member of India’s quest to achieve a first series win in England since 2007.

The pacer was magnificent, taking 10 wickets for the match, including six in the second innings. He had the new ball on a string, nipping the ball around to leave England’s top order in tatters in both innings.

Deep was beautifully supported by Mohammed Siraj. He often steps up in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, and did so again with 6/70 in the first innings. This haul set up the game for India as they took a big first innings lead – one they took full advantage of as they piled on 427/6 second time around.

England, disappointingly for their fans, displayed a lack of fight in the fourth innings as the target of 608 was too far gone. To bat just 160 overs in total on such a surface is poor. However, the result goes back to the first innings. Bowling first (and poorly) on a flat Edgbaston pitch, England were always chasing the game, and were unable to match the template they executed at Headingley, albeit with the help of poor Indian fielding.

All in all, Deep and Siraj extracted far more out of the surface than England did. Also, the hosts have now conceded 1,849 runs for the series – a damning stat that is sure to see a bowling attack shakeup for the Lord’s Test. With that match just a few days away, England need to regroup quickly.

Reactions to India smashing England by 337 runs at Edgbaston

Virat Kohli reacted to the fabulous India win. “Brilliantly led by Shubhman with the bat and in the field and impactful performances from everyone. Special mention to Siraj and Akash for the way they bowled on this pitch,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Here are some of the other reactions to India’s big win.

The third Test at Lord’s begins on Thursday July 10.

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