India reached 98 runs for the loss of 2 wickets at lunch on the first day of the second Test against England at Edgbaston, Birmingham. Yashasvi Jaiswal anchored the innings with a strong unbeaten 62 off 69 balls, showing excellent control and timing.
After being asked to bat first, India lost opener KL Rahul early, dismissed by Chris Woakes. Karun Nair, promoted to number three, played aggressively and scored 31 runs before falling just before lunch. Captain Shubman Gill joined Jaiswal to rebuild the innings with a focus on stability.
England fielded an unchanged side, while India made three changes to manage fitness, resting star pacer Jasprit Bumrah due to back concerns. Newcomers Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, and Akash Deep were brought into the playing eleven to strengthen the middle order and bowling options.
The match began in cloudy conditions, causing the ball to swing and trouble the Indian batsmen early. Both openers survived close LBW reviews thanks to umpire’s calls. Nair and Jaiswal formed an important 80-run partnership, helping India regain momentum after the early loss of Rahul.
Jaiswal impressed with crisp boundaries, including a hook and a neat cut shot, reaching his half-century amid growing crowd support. India will rely on his form to build a competitive total after losing the first Test at Headingley. The afternoon session promises exciting cricket as Gill and Jaiswal look to push the score forward.