Ind vs Eng Tests: Will India be able to make comeback in Birmingham?

India will be aiming to bounce back when they face England in the second Test, starting July 2 at Edgbaston in Birmingham. Despite dominating much of the first Test at Headingley in Leeds, India couldn’t capitalize on the key moments on Day 5, eventually succumbing to a five-wicket defeat as England successfully chased a daunting 371-run target.

With the series momentum now in England’s favour, the onus is on the visitors to deliver a strong response and keep their hopes alive of securing a Test series win on English soil for the first time since 2007.

Can India stage a turnaround at Edgbaston? Will they draw inspiration from their comeback at home last year, when they rebounded after a 28-run defeat in Hyderabad?

History, however, paints a challenging picture. India’s record in Birmingham has been dismal. Since 1967, they’ve played eight Tests at Edgbaston, losing seven and managing just one draw. That lone draw came in 1986, during their landmark series win under Kapil Dev’s leadership.

In that game, India were chasing 236 but were in deep trouble at 105 for five. A determined, unbeaten 69-run partnership between Mohammad Azharuddin and Kiran More ensured the match ended in a draw.

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More recently, in 2022, India came close to breaking their Edgbaston jinx. After setting a target of 378, they were in a strong position. But a monumental 269-run partnership between Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow led England to a record-breaking victory.

As India gear up to return to Edgbaston, they’ll be desperate to put the disappointment of Leeds behind them. A fightback is crucial — but if history is any guide, it won’t come easily. A defeat here would make saving the series, let alone winning it, a steep challenge.