England Open to Playing for Draw as India Pushes for Victory in Final Day of Second Test at Edgbaston

In Birmingham: Marcus Trescothick says all three results are possible, but England prepared to settle for draw as India stands seven wickets away from series parity

Birmingham [UK], July 6: As the gripping second Test between India and England enters its final day at Edgbaston, England’s batting coach Marcus Trescothick has hinted that the team is willing to play for a draw if the situation demands, acknowledging that under the current circumstances, all three outcomes remain possible. With England reeling at 72/3, still 536 runs away from an improbable victory target of 608, Trescothick admitted the hosts will approach the day with caution and realism, rather than blind aggression.

ALSO READ: India Dominates as Siraj, Akash Deep Rattle England on Day 4: 7 Wickets Away from Series Leveling Win

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England’s Uphill Climb

India dominated the opening four days, piling up a mammoth second-innings total and leaving England buried under the pressure of a record run-chase. After reducing England to 72/3 at stumps on Day 4, the visitors are now just seven wickets away from levelling the five-match series 1-1.

Acknowledging the challenge ahead, Trescothick told reporters:

“Whenever the situation is challenging, of course it is. If you get to the point where you can draw the game, of course we’ll take that. We’re not stupid — we understand you can’t always play for a win under these circumstances.”

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India’s Seamers Deliver Late-Day Hammer Blow

The final session on Day 4 belonged to India, with Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep unleashing fiery spells under fading light and a fresh second new ball.

• Siraj struck first, removing Zak Crawley for a seven-ball duck, rattling the top order early.
• Akash Deep, continuing his impressive form, bowled Ben Duckett with a sharp inswinger that clipped the stumps after a brisk 25 off 15 balls.
• The biggest scalp, however, was that of Joe Root, who was bowled for 6 by a stunning delivery that jagged past the outside edge and knocked back his stumps.

With three key top-order batters back in the pavilion, India’s dominance was firmly re-established.

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Trescothick Cautious but Hopeful

While England’s chances of chasing down 608 are virtually nil, Trescothick maintained that the team would adapt based on how the day unfolds.

“There are three results possible in every game you play,” he said. “We’ve done things in our time that are different from what we’ve done before. So let’s see what happens.”

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India on the Brink

India’s assertive bowling and commanding first-innings lead have placed them in a commanding position heading into Day 5. With Akash Deep and Siraj in form, and Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav waiting to exploit the wearing surface, the visitors will look to wrap up the remaining wickets and restore parity in the series.

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Final Day Preview

With the match balanced precariously, the final day promises high drama. England must bat out the day — or hope for rain — to salvage a draw. India, meanwhile, will press for a resounding win to reset the momentum of the series.