Akash Deep’s fiery spell on Day 5 has pushed India towards a possible series-levelling win in the India vs England Test at Edgbaston. England went into lunch at 153 for 6, still needing an improbable 455 runs to win the second Test. The hosts now face a steep climb to avoid defeat, with India needing just four wickets to draw level in the five-match series.
Early Breakthroughs Set the Tone
India vs England Test Day 5 began with overcast skies and Akash Deep steaming in with purpose. In a fiery opening burst, he dismissed Ollie Pope and Harry Brook within the first 25 minutes. Pope was unlucky as the ball bounced sharply and cannoned off his bat onto the stumps. Brook, meanwhile, was struck on the pad by a delivery that jagged back sharply, leaving him in discomfort and out LBW.
Stokes-Smith Partnership Briefly Resists
Ben Stokes and Jamie Smith put up a fighting 70-run partnership to stem India’s charge. Although they looked settled, India vs England Test Day 5 continued to turn in the visitors’ favour. Washington Sundar, introduced just before the lunch break, delivered a beautifully drifting ball that trapped Stokes in front. A failed review confirmed the England captain’s departure on 33.
Jamie Smith fights hard with 88 runs against India 💪
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India Maintain Full Control
Despite a rain delay that reduced playtime, India maintained control. Akash Deep could have added another wicket when a delivery narrowly missed Jamie Smith’s leg stump. Nevertheless, the India vs England Test momentum remained firmly with the visitors, especially after Washington’s key breakthrough.
Final Push After Lunch
India will aim to wrap things up swiftly after the interval. England, who earlier entertained thoughts of chasing down a record target, now face the looming threat of another 400-plus defeat under the Stokes-McCullum leadership.
