India vs England – 3 July 2025: Live Match Highlights and Key Takeaways
The second Test between India and England began on 3 July 2025 at Edgbaston, and the day delivered an intense display of skill, patience, and tactics. India closed the day at 310/5, recovering strongly after early setbacks. The highlight of the day was Shubman Gill’s unbeaten century that stabilized India’s innings and shifted the momentum in India’s favor.

Shubman Gill Anchors the Innings
Shubman Gill played a mature and determined innings, scoring an unbeaten 114 runs off 199 balls. It was not a flashy knock, but one of grit and responsibility. His technique against pace and spin was solid, and his decision-making under pressure stood out. This was Gill’s slowest Test century, but arguably his most valuable, as it came when India was in a precarious position.

Early Wickets for England
After winning the toss and opting to bowl, England got early rewards. India lost two wickets quickly, and the seamers extracted good movement in the morning session. The pitch had just enough bounce to keep the bowlers interested. India found themselves in trouble at 64/2, but a solid partnership helped them regain control.

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Solid Start
Opening batsman Yashasvi Jaiswal looked fluent and confident. He scored a well-crafted 87 runs before being dismissed by Ben Stokes. His strokeplay on the off-side and patience against short deliveries set the tone for India. He missed out on a century but did enough to give India a strong platform.

The Turning Point: Gill and Jadeja’s Stand
When India was at 211/5, the pressure was mounting. That’s when Ravindra Jadeja stepped in. Along with Gill, he built a crucial 99-run partnership, which steadied the ship. Jadeja remained unbeaten on 41 at stumps, showing excellent judgment and calmness.

The partnership changed the momentum and took India to a commanding position by the end of the day. They played out the new ball well and ensured England's bowlers ended the day without further success.

England's Frustrating Day in the Field
England’s bowlers had moments of brilliance but were inconsistent. Chris Woakes was the pick of the bowlers, taking two wickets. However, England struggled with reviews. They lost two lbw appeals due to the umpire’s call, and a dropped catch in the slips added to their frustration.

The lack of penetration after lunch and their inability to break the Gill-Jadeja partnership hurt their chances of closing the day strong.

Team Changes and Strategy
India made three changes for this Test. Jasprit Bumrah was rested, and in came Akash Deep, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Washington Sundar. The fresh faces added balance to the team, with Sundar expected to play a key role in both batting and spin bowling.

England went unchanged from the previous Test. Their strategy to bowl first was logical, considering the overcast conditions, but they could not fully capitalize.

Key Highlights of Day 1
Shubman Gill scored an unbeaten 114 – his most patient Test hundred.

Yashasvi Jaiswal contributed 87, missing out on a century.

Ravindra Jadeja scored 41 and stood firm* with Gill in the final session.

India finished Day 1 at 310/5 after a shaky start.

England missed two lbw chances due to marginal umpire’s calls.

Chris Woakes was England’s best bowler, picking up 2 wickets.

Statistical Summary
Category    Value
India’s Score    310/5 at Stumps
Top Scorer (India)    Shubman Gill – 114*
Best Bowler (England)    Chris Woakes – 2 wickets
Best Partnership    Gill & Jadeja – 99 runs
Overs Bowled    90 overs
Toss Result    England won toss, chose to bowl

What to Expect on Day 2
The pitch is expected to stay flat, offering little for the bowlers early on. The first session will be critical. If India can survive the early swing and add another 80–100 runs, they could post a total close to 400 or more.

Gill is set, and Jadeja looks confident. If the pair continues their rhythm, England will find themselves chasing the game. The English bowlers will need to bowl tighter lines and look for reverse swing as the ball gets older.

Tactical Analysis
India’s patience paid off. They didn’t force the scoring and allowed partnerships to build.

England’s reviews cost them. With both lbw decisions going against them, they lost opportunities to turn the tide.

Shubman Gill’s temperament has matured. He absorbed pressure and guided India through difficult phases.

Jadeja’s composure was key. His ability to rotate strike and defend under pressure showed his value as a senior player.

India’s middle order responded. With top-order wickets falling, the middle order did not collapse, which has been a past concern.

Final Thoughts
India will be the happier side after Day 1. After a shaky start, they finished strong due to Gill’s remarkable hundred and Jadeja’s steady hand. England had chances, but errors in judgment and execution cost them. The second day promises to be a gripping battle between bat and ball.

If England can pick up quick wickets early, the match is wide open. But if India continues to pile on runs, the visitors may find themselves playing catch-up for the rest of the Test.

Stay tuned for more updates as the series continues to deliver exciting cricket action.