As India embarks on the second Test of the five-match series against England, everyone’s attention is focused on Edgbaston, Birmingham a ground that has been nothing but a nightmare for the Indian Test team over the years. With India losing 0-1 in the series, the match on July 2 becomes even more important, not only for a comeback, but to put an end to a decades-long jinx.
Edgbaston: India’s Test Graveyard
India has hosted eight Test matches at Edgbaston and never won any of them. Edgbaston has witnessed some of India’s biggest defeats, close heartbreaks, and drawn-out disappointments.
Here’s A Glance At India’s Poor Record In Birmingham
1967 – 132-run loss
1974 – Innings and 78-run loss
1979 – Innings and 83-run loss
1986 – Match drawn (only non-loss)
1996 – Lost by 8 wickets
2011 – Lost by an innings and 242 runs (India’s largest defeat at the venue)
2018 – Lost by 31 runs (close match, Virat Kohli made 149 in 1st innings)
2022 – Lost by 7 wickets (rearranged Test; England took down 378 comfortably)
That is seven losses and one draw – a record India will be keen to turn on their head.
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Why This Test Matters More For India
India not only stands 1-0 behind in the series after a disappointing loss in Headingley, but now also has the pressure of maintaining the series alive. With England’s ease of playing at home and Edgbaston’s history of hosting the home side, this Test has the potential to set the tone for the rest of the summer.
With Shubman Gill at the helm, and India testing a fairly inexperienced bowling lineup and unsettled middle order, a victory at Edgbaston would be historic and confidence-boosting.
Edgbaston Conditions & The Challenge Ahead
The Edgbaston surface historically provides early seam movement and swing under cloudy conditions. The batting gets easier as the game wears on, but only if the top order holds firm through the initial onslaught.
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India’s pace bowlers have to learn to adapt in a hurry. Meanwhile, the batters have to get past history and Anderson-inspired pressure, on a surface that rewards boldness. If India were to win at Edgbaston this week, it would not only tie the series 1-1, but also end a 57-year-old win-less record at the venue. It would be the first-ever Indian Test win in Birmingham, and also give a boost of momentum to the next three Tests.
