Can Akash and Siraj Secure India's Victory Against England in 2nd Test?

Birmingham, July 5 (NationPress) Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj showcased their prowess with the new ball, claiming three wickets and helping India assert dominance over England, who ended the fourth day of the second Test at 72/3 in their mammoth chase of 608 runs in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series at Edgbaston on Saturday.

England faced a daunting target of 608 runs after India declared their second innings at 427/6. Skipper Shubman Gill played a pivotal role, scoring a stunning 161 runs, following his remarkable 269 in the first innings. He received solid backing from K.L. Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja, each contributing half-centuries.

Continuing their dominance from England's first innings, Akash and Siraj dismantled the English top order. With Harry Brook and Ollie Pope remaining unbeaten at 15 and 24 runs respectively, England now requires 536 more runs to secure victory on Day Five, while India aims for seven wickets to achieve a remarkable series-tying win, provided weather conditions permit.

Ben Duckett initiated England's response with aggressive boundaries off Siraj, but succumbed to a catch at backward point after a drive off Zak Crawley fell short. Following a review wasted on Duckett's nick, he was bowled by Akash for 25. Akash struck again, outmaneuvering Joe Root to hit the top of his off-stump, sending him back for just 6. As the day came to a close, Pope and Brook managed a few boundaries, but India remained in a commanding position.

Earlier, Gill dazzled with his elegant strokeplay, hitting 13 fours and 8 sixes in his eighth Test century, marking his fifth against England and his third in just four innings as India's Test captain. With a total of 430 runs, Gill has now become the second-highest run-scorer in a single Test match, after England's Graham Gooch (456 runs), making history by being the first player to score both 200 and 150 in the same Test.

The final session began with Jadeja signaling a shift in momentum by smashing a straight six off Shoaib Bashir. Gill continued to impress, striking Chris Woakes for a six and two fours. The duo of Gill and Jadeja kept the scoreboard ticking with boundaries before Gill reached 150 with a flawless slog-sweep off Root.

As Gill swung Bashir over midwicket for a six, his attempt for another maximum fell short, leading to a standing ovation as he exited after his brilliant 161. After Nitish Kumar Reddy got out against Root, Washington Sundar scored quickly before Gill declared the innings, allowing Akash and Siraj to unleash their new ball talent once again, outclassing their opposition.

Brief scores:

India: 587 and 427/6 dec in 83 overs (Shubman Gill 161, Rishabh Pant 65, K.L. Rahul 55, Ravindra Jadeja 69 not out; Josh Tongue 2-93, Shoaib Bashir 2-119) lead England: 407 and 72/3 in 16 overs (Ben Duckett 25, Harry Brook 24 not out; Akash Deep 2-36, Mohammed Siraj 1-29) by 536 runs