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Edgbaston – England won the toss and chose to bowl first on Day 1 of the second Test against India, under overcast skies at Edgbaston. The decision comes after their dramatic win in the first Test, where they chased down a mammoth 371 at Headingley to take a 1–0 lead in the five-match series.

India have made three changes to their XI, with Jasprit Bumrah rested as a precaution due to workload management. Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, and Akash Deep come into the side. Despite Bumrah’s absence, India are backing a mix of youth and experience in their bowling lineup, going in with two spinners.

England have retained the same playing XI from the first Test, showing confidence in the team that produced a thrilling victory.

Playing XI:

India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Karun Nair, Shubman Gill(c), Rishabh Pant(w), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna

England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes(c), Jamie Smith(w), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir

Series Context:

  • England lead the five-match series 1–0 after their record chase at Headingley.

  • India are yet to win a Test at Edgbaston, having lost all seven and drawing one in previous attempts at the venue.

  • The pressure is on India to bounce back and level the series with an improved bowling and fielding performance.

With helpful conditions for seamers early on, the opening session will be crucial. India will aim to put up a solid first-innings score, while England look to make early breakthroughs.

More updates to follow as the match progresses.