Stokes Blames Pitch After India’s Edgbaston Win
India stormed back into the five-match Test series with a massive 336-run win over England in the second Test at Edgbaston. After losing the first Test, India bounced back in style, dominating all five days with both bat and ball. The visitors posted 587 and 427/6d, while England folded for 407 and 271, unable to match India’s intensity.
Shubman Gill led from the front with twin centuries, while Akash Deep (10/187) and Mohammed Siraj (6/70) delivered match-winning spells in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. It was India’s first-ever Test win at Edgbaston, leveling the series 1–1.
Stokes’ Pitch Remark Sparks Fan Outrage
After the defeat, England captain Ben Stokes blamed the pitch, calling it a “subcontinent surface” that favored Indian bowlers.
“It probably ended up being more of a subcontinent pitch… the Indian attack used it better than us,” Stokes told BBC Test Match Special.
His comments didn’t sit well with fans, who slammed him on social media for deflecting blame. Many labeled him a “crybaby”, urging him to accept England’s poor performance instead of pointing fingers at the conditions2.
Akash Deep, Siraj Lead India’s Bowling Charge
With Bumrah rested, Akash Deep and Siraj stepped up brilliantly. Akash’s 6/99 in the second innings and match figures of 10/187 are now the best by an Indian pacer in England. Siraj’s fiery burst in the first innings, including the wickets of Root and Stokes, broke England’s back early.
Despite a valiant effort from Jamie Smith (184 & 88)*, England’s batting collapsed under pressure. India’s bowlers maintained relentless discipline, exposing England’s vulnerabilities on what many called a batting-friendly surface.
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