The India vs England 2nd Test Day 1 at Edgbaston in Birmingham began with high expectations and the first session did not disappoint. India ended the session at 98/2 after 25 overs, thanks largely to a superb unbeaten half-century from Yashasvi Jaiswal, who dominated with class and confidence. He was unbeaten on 62 runs from just 69 balls, with 11 elegant boundaries, while Karun Nair contributed a composed 31, forming a crucial 80-run partnership for the second wicket.

A Quiet Start Turns Eventful

India, put into bat by England under cloudy skies, started cautiously. The decision by England to bowl first appeared to work initially as KL Rahul, fresh off a century in the first Test, was dismissed cheaply for just 2 runs. Facing Chris Woakes, who exploited the swing and seam movement, Rahul was bowled after dragging one back onto his stumps. He faced 26 balls and never looked comfortable, reflecting the challenging conditions early on.

With India 15/1 after nearly nine overs, the innings was moving slowly. But then came Yashasvi Jaiswal, who changed the tone of the innings with smart shot selection, positive intent, and commanding strokeplay. His half-century came off just 59 balls, decorated with fluent drives and fearless cuts, as he punished every loose delivery with precision.

Karun Nair’s Calm Before the Lunch Blow

Karun Nair, returning to the side and batting at No. 3, showed great temperament and timing. Although under pressure after a below-par first Test, he looked assured, rotating strike with ease and complementing Jaiswal beautifully. The duo built a partnership worth 80 runs, pushing England onto the back foot after their early breakthrough.

Nair struck a few crisp boundaries and looked set until a perfectly pitched delivery from Brydon Carse in the final over before lunch lured an edge, ending his innings on 31 off 45 balls. The timing of his dismissal gave England a slight edge back as the teams headed into the break.

England’s Inconsistent Bowling

England’s bowlers had their moments but struggled with consistency after the first hour. Chris Woakes was undoubtedly the standout performer, delivering four maiden overs, generating swing, and keeping the batters honest. He was unfortunate with two Umpire’s Calls on LBW appeals, but his breakthrough wicket of KL Rahul was vital.

Ben Stokes, Josh Tongue, and Brydon Carse all bowled aggressively, especially targeting Jaiswal with bouncers, but the young Indian opener stood firm. Carse’s reward came late, when he dismissed Nair, providing a much-needed boost for England before the second session.

The pitch looked a bit slow, and with the ball still new, England will hope to capitalize early in the second session before the Kookaburra softens. The sun came out mid-session, removing any swing assistance and making batting easier—a factor India will want to take advantage of in the next phase.

Jaiswal: India’s Pillar in First Session

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s unbeaten 62 was the highlight of the morning. He judged the conditions perfectly, left well outside off-stump, and waited for bad balls. Once set, he started attacking—cutting and driving with ease. Even as England tried to unsettle him with short-pitched stuff, Jaiswal never looked flustered.

His shot-making against both pace and bounce showed maturity beyond his years. The team will now be heavily reliant on him to anchor the innings deep into Day 1 and provide a solid first innings total.

Teams and Match Context

India made some changes in the XI, bringing in Karun Nair, Washington Sundar, and Akash Deep, while England stuck with a pace-heavy attack, including Chris Woakes, Josh Tongue, and Brydon Carse, alongside spinner Shoaib Bashir.

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

England’s lineup:
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir

What Lies Ahead?

As the second session approaches, India will look to build on their foundation. With Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja still to come, India have the depth to post a strong total, provided Jaiswal continues his form. The pitch, which is flattening out, offers a chance to bat long and wear down the English bowlers.

England, on the other hand, will take heart from the late wicket of Nair and aim to strike early after lunch. If they can dismiss Jaiswal and Gill early, they’ll be back in control. The next hour will be pivotal in determining which team gets the upper hand.

Conclusion

The India vs England 2nd Test 2025 has begun with a tense and competitive first session. India’s score of 98/2 at lunch suggests a slight edge for the visitors, mainly due to Jaiswal’s brilliant knock. However, the loss of Karun Nair at the brink of the break has tilted the balance slightly.

With a crucial middle session to follow, the India cricket team live score updates will keep fans on edge. England will aim to hit back quickly, but India’s young opener has already laid the groundwork for a potential big score. The match remains finely poised at the Edgbaston Test, and every over from here on holds weight. Stay tuned for more updates as Day 1 unfolds in Birmingham.

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