India's 5 tons went in vain: England win the 1st test match

A tremendous batting performance from India ended in frustration as England’s fierce batting while chasing 371 runs in the 4^th innings left the Indian team and fans with so many questions ahead of them. The Indian team did everything right with top-order batting performances, yet stood confused in several departments that could prove to be dangerous while going towards the second test at Edgbaston.

5 Hundreds scored by Indian batters but ended up losing the game — Shubman Gill lost his first match as a test captain of India (Source)

An unwanted record in India’s name in the first test

India’s batting performance was no less than a display of sheer masterclass in both innings. Indian batters scored total 5 centuries in the match including terrific performance from Yashasvi Jaiswal 101 (159), Shubman Gill became 5^th Indian Captain to score a hundred in first test match as a captain scoring 147 (227), KL Rahul played a proper test knock and scored 137 (247) and Rishabh Pant had a record breaking match, he became 1^st Indian Wicket Keeper and only 2^nd in the world after Andy Flower to score a hundred in both the innings of a test match. 134 (178) in the 1^st innings and 118 (140) in the 2^nd innings. His somersault celebration after the hundred was one of the best celebrations ever seen in cricket.

All this helped India to score big in the match, but every time India threw a punch at England, they hit back with a much stronger jab. The Englishmen never seemed to run low on energy, and that intent and energy seemed to be missing from the Indian team; ultimately, India became the first team in the history of Test cricket to lose a match after scoring five centuries.

Dropped catches while Bumrah's bowling made a huge impact — Jasprit Bumrah could not get the support he needed (Source)

Dropped Catches and Dropped Shoulders

Jasprit Bumrah was phenomenal with his world-class bowling, but it seemed as if he had no such support from the other end that could build pressure on English batters; they appeared at ease while facing other bowlers. While Bumrah was bowling his heart out and creating chances, India’s poor fielding let him and the team down. Yashasvi Jaiswal dropped 4 catches, and even the safe hands of Ravindra Jadeja dropped a catch. It was Gill’s first game as a test captain, and he seemed confused with an aggressive field setting while English players were batting easily.

England’s statement victory

Despite conceding 471 runs in the first innings, the English players did not appear to lack energy or intent at all. Ben Stokes, leading from the front, turned out to be one of the best bowlers for England in the match. That 2^nd inning chase was no less of a statement from England’s team that they are here to dominate the series in the fiercest way possible. Ollie Pope scored 106 (137), and Harry Brook missed out on a hundred, who was previously saved by a No-ball by Bumrah when he was on 0, ended up scoring 99 (112). Ben Duckett batted in the 2^nd innings like a man possessed to just keep scoring; his innings ended on 149 (170).

Edgbaston Awaits – A fortress never conquered

The second test of the Sachin-Anderson Trophy is at Edgbaston. India has never won a test match since 1967 at this ground against England. Going to the Edgbaston Indian has some big riddles to solve. Can Arshdeep Singh play in place of Prasidh Krishna? Questions on Mohammed Siraj’s bowling and Shardul Thakur’s performance.

Edgbaston has been an unconqured fortess in England for India — Can Gill register first ever test victory at Edgbaston for India? (Source)

Archer In and Bumrah Out

In the second test, England’s dangerous right-arm fast bowler Jofra Archer is all set to make a comeback in the team, which will make England’s bowling unit very strong. On the other hand, a big setback for India can be Jasprit Bumrah not playing the 2^nd test. According to reports, Jasprit Bumrah may not play 2^nd test to manage workload in the series. This can hurt India as Bumrah is the only bowler who has made a big impact on the opposition team with the ball in his hand. Without Jasprit, it will be a big challenge for Gill to manage the bowling and find crucial wickets at the right times.

England's Right-arm pacer Jofra Archer set to make a comeback against India — Jofra Archer has been added to the England's squad for the 2nd test (Source)

A tour to England has always been a tough nut to crack for the Indian team over the years. India’s batting unit looks ready and spot on, but the bowling and fielding departments need sharpening. The biggest question in the second test would be-if Bumrah is not playing, can Indian bowlers take those 20 wickets and limit runs flowing from both ends while English players start showing that “Bazball” intent on the field.