IND vs ENG 2nd Test – Pitch Report, Probable XIs & Fantasy Picks

The second Test match between India and England in the ongoing 2025 series will be played at Edgbaston, Birmingham. With the first Test ending in a tight finish, both teams are eager to seize momentum in this crucial contest. As always, conditions, team balance, and player form will play key roles.

This preview provides a clear look at the pitch conditions, predicted team lineups, key players to watch, and fantasy cricket tips for the match.

Match Details

Fixture: India vs England, 2nd Test
Date: June 28 to July 2, 2025
Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham
Time: 3:30 PM IST / 11:00 AM Local Time

Pitch Report – Edgbaston

Edgbaston is traditionally a venue that offers something for both batsmen and bowlers. The pitch is lively on Day 1, with movement off the seam and through the air. Batting becomes easier during the afternoon sessions, especially once the new ball is seen off.

By Day 3, the pitch tends to dry out, and this brings spinners into the game. Variable bounce and rough patches can develop by Day 4 and 5, creating opportunities for spin and reverse swing.

Expected Conditions:

Day 1–2: Good carry and seam movement.
Day 3–5: Slower pitch with more turn and uneven bounce.
Batting Conditions: Best during the afternoon sessions.
Weather Forecast: Light showers on Days 2 and 4; overcast mornings expected.

Probable XIs

India:

India will likely field a similar XI from the first Test, with one or two changes depending on the pitch and bowler workloads.

Predicted Line-up:

Rohit Sharma (Captain)
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Shubman Gill
Virat Kohli
KL Rahul (WK)
Ravindra Jadeja
R Ashwin
Shardul Thakur
Jasprit Bumrah
Mohammed Siraj
Mukesh Kumar

England:

England may opt for an additional spinner, especially if the surface shows signs of wear early.

Predicted Line-up:

Zak Crawley
Ben Duckett
Ollie Pope
Joe Root
Ben Stokes (Captain)
Jonny Bairstow (WK)
Moeen Ali
Chris Woakes
Mark Wood
James Anderson
Jack Leach

Players to Watch

For India:

Virat Kohli: Experienced and consistent, particularly effective in English conditions.
Jasprit Bumrah: Will be crucial with the new ball, especially in overcast sessions.
Ravichandran Ashwin: Can turn the game from Day 3 onward with his variations.

For England:

Joe Root: A dependable top-order batsman with a strong record against India.
James Anderson: Known for exploiting home conditions to perfection.
Ben Stokes: Brings a complete package of leadership, aggressive batting, and useful seam bowling.

Fantasy Picks

Fantasy cricket players should focus on form, pitch behavior, and batting order while selecting their teams.

Wicketkeepers:

KL Rahul: A strong option in the middle order with steady batting and glove work.
Jonny Bairstow: Can score quickly and contribute with dismissals behind the stumps.

Top Batsmen:

Virat Kohli
Joe Root
Shubman Gill
Ollie Pope

All-rounders:

Ben Stokes – Brings balance with both bat and ball.
Ravindra Jadeja – Offers points in multiple areas including fielding.

Bowlers:

Jasprit Bumrah – Always in contention for wickets.
James Anderson – Especially potent with the new ball.
R Ashwin – Valuable during the second innings.
Mark Wood – Brings extra pace that can unsettle batsmen.

Fantasy Tips

Include experienced top-order batsmen who can handle swing.
Select more bowlers in your Day 1 fantasy team when conditions favor seam.
Consider spinners from Day 3 contests.
Track weather and toss updates before the match starts.
Use in-form players as captains and vice-captains for maximum impact.

Conclusion

The second Test between India and England at Edgbaston promises high-quality cricket and strategic battles. Both teams are evenly matched, and conditions will play a crucial role in determining the winner. Fantasy players should stay alert to pitch changes, team updates, and match-day weather to stay ahead.

This game offers a great opportunity to test your cricket knowledge and prediction skills. Follow every session closely, make timely changes, and aim for consistency in your selections.

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