India doesn’t beat England at Edgbaston. Drawing a match, that’s the visitor’s biggest achievement in Birmingham. It all started in 1967. Almost six decades later, a win eludes India. The issue isn’t losing. But it’s how they lose. Only twice have they come within touching distance of a victory.
Gabba in the back of the mind
Three of India’s seven losses are by an innings. The last one was when Bazball was still finding its feet. In fact, one might say that by chasing 378, the 8th highest successful run chase in Test history, they sold the world on their idea. The closest India got to a victory at Edgbaston was in 2018, thanks to a Virat Kohli masterclass, but they still lost by 31 runs in the end.
However, in the last few years away from home, India has won from the unlikeliest of situations. The most significant one is the Gabba victory in 2021. Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Shami were all unavailable.
Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj were playing their third Test match. It was Shardul Thakur’s first match after 3 years. T Natarajan and Washington Sundar were making their debuts. Yet, somehow, India won. It was one of the greatest Test wins for any team away from home, that too with a severely depleted side.
Time to step up
Why is that win important? For belief. Rishabh Pant and Gill played a pivotal role in that victory. They know it isn’t over until it is. Going 0-1 down in the series isn’t the end. Having not won a match in Edgbaston in 58 years doesn’t matter. Jasprit Bumrah may not play. Who cares? India has beaten stronger sides without him.
When Team India have had their back against the wall, more often than not, they have stood up. Fight. That’s what one wants. Hunger to win, a point to prove. Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair want to prove themselves for different reasons. Yashasvi Jaiswal will be hurting due to those dropped chances. Gill will want to create a legacy for himself. Siraj hasn’t been able to come out from Bumrah’s shadow; what better place to finally do so?
India’s got the talent to do it all, but can it be what matters? Bumrah is undoubtedly the world’s best bowler but they have won without him in the past. It’s time for seniors to stay up and the youngsters to show why faith has been put in them. Bumrah can’t always carry them; for once, they will have to carry him.
With or without Bumrah, can Shubman Gill’s men break the Edgbaston curse? Inside Sport India.
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