As predicted, **England** claimed an impressive victory in the opening Test, setting the stage for an electrifying encounter at **Edgbaston**. The stakes are high as they aim for a commanding **2-0 lead** against **India** in this gripping series. The second Test kicks off on **Wednesday night**—read on for our detailed preview and **top betting tips** for the England vs India clash.
Be sure to check back regularly for our insightful betting tips throughout the **English summer**, as we cover every Test match! All odds for these matches are provided by **Dabble**.
England vs India: 2nd Test Betting Tips
Edgbaston, Wednesday, 2nd July, 8:00pm (AEDT)
No Brakes on BazBall: England Outclass India in Series Opener
Just when it seemed they might falter, England delivered **another masterclass** in what fans have dubbed **BazBall**. This thrilling approach propelled them to a stunning victory, chasing down **373 runs** with over **10 overs** to spare, ultimately triumphing by **five wickets**. A standout performer, **Ben Duckett**, showcased his prowess with a phenomenal **149 runs off 170 balls**, clinching the prestigious **Man of the Match** title.
In England’s first innings, **Ollie Pope** fought valiantly to score a century, while **Harry Brook** was just shy of his own with a score of **99**. The game was dominated by the bat, yet it was **Josh Tongue** who shone in the bowling department, snaring **4/86** in the first innings and following up with **3/72** in the second.
With contributions from every player, England is unlikely to alter their top seven. Expect **Josh Tongue** and **Shoaib Bashir** to take the field again, though competition for the remaining slots will be fierce, especially with **Chris Woakes**, **Sam Cook**, and **Jofra Archer**—who has returned from injury—vying for selection.
Predicted England XI: Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, Jamie Smith, Chris Woakes, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir
Teething Troubles: India Fall Just Short Under New Regime
India showed moments of brilliance in the first Test, yet ultimately fell short. After winning the toss and opting to bat, they dazzled with a Day 1 performance, finishing at **359/3**. However, what initially seemed like a match-defining total crumbled under pressure, as their tail failed to wag, leaving them all out for **471**—a total that could have been significantly higher.
Despite boasting **five centuries** in the match, including two from the electrifying **Rishabh Pant**, India’s downfall came when they struggled to capitalize on their bowling strengths in the fourth innings. Even the usually reliable **Ravindra Jadeja** had a game to forget with figures of **1/104**, leaving fans puzzled.
While the core of India’s batting lineup performed, the new entrants, **Sudharsan** and **Nair**, underwhelmed, prompting speculation regarding potential changes. Expect **Jasprit Bumrah** and **Mohammed Siraj** to lead the pace attack again, but there are hints about including a second spinner, **Kuldeep Yadav**, to complement Jadeja as they prepare for Edgbaston.
Predicted India XI: KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Karun Nair, Ravi Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj
England vs India 2nd Test Tip
The return of **Jofra Archer** to the Test squad after a **four-year** injury hiatus adds depth to England’s pace attack, joining forces with **Chris Woakes** and **Josh Tongue**. Edgbaston’s pitch has a reputation for assisting both **pacers and spinners**, yet England’s familiarity with home conditions and their aggressive, high-paced approach under **Ben Stokes** and **Brendon McCullum** gives them a marked strategic edge.
For India, the anticipated entry of **Kuldeep Yadav** could add a fresh dynamic to their spin arsenal. However, concerns linger about their bowling unit’s efficacy on English pitches. Given how well India performed—yet still lost—during the first Test, my recommendation is clear: **back England to clinch victory once more!**
