July 7, 2025: Team India, powered by a phenomenal performance from Shubman Gill and a fiery spell from Akash Deep, finally broke the Edgbaston jinx — and did it in style. With a massive 336-run victory over England in the second Test at Birmingham, India registered its first-ever win at Edgbaston, ending a drought that lasted 19 matches over 58 years.
This win also sets a new benchmark for the longest wait by an Asian team to win at an away Test venue. Previously, Pakistan at Lord’s (17 matches, 1982) and Sri Lanka at Kensington Oval (17 matches, 2018) shared the record. India’s previous long wait was 16 Tests at the Gabba before their historic 2021 win there.
Match Heroes: Gill’s Brilliance and Akash Deep’s Grit
Shubman Gill was undoubtedly the batting star of the match, scoring a jaw-dropping 269 in the first innings and following it up with a classy 161 in the second. But it was Akash Deep who became the emotional and tactical backbone of India’s win.
Playing in just his second Test, the 28-year-old fast bowler delivered an incredible 10-wicket match haul (10/187), including his maiden five-for (6/99) in the second innings. With Jasprit Bumrah unavailable, Akash stepped up like a true warrior — troubling England’s top and middle order with pace, swing, and smart variations.
Even more moving was the fact that Akash was playing with a heavy heart. After the match, he revealed that his sister is battling cancer and that every delivery he bowled was for her.
“Every time I ran in, I thought of her,” he said after the match, visibly emotional.
Day 5: Ending with a Statement
England began Day 5 at 72 for 3, needing an unlikely 608 to win. Jamie Smith put up some resistance with a solid 88, but it was Akash Deep again who broke through with a clever slower ball. He fittingly took the final wicket as well — caught by Shubman Gill — to seal one of India’s most memorable overseas victories.
Longest Waits for Asian Teams to Win at an Away Test Venue
- 19 – Edgbaston, Birmingham (India, 2025)
- 17 – Lord’s, London (Pakistan, 1982)
- 17 – Kensington Oval, Bridgetown (Sri Lanka, 2018)
- 16 – Gabba, Brisbane (India, 2021)
- 15 – Newlands, Cape Town (India, 2024)
What Lies Ahead?
With the five-match series now tied at 1-1, the momentum has shifted. Jasprit Bumrah is expected to return for the third Test at Lord’s, but Akash Deep has certainly made a strong case to retain his place in the XI.
All eyes will be on how this young Indian team continues its charge in England.