Having lost the opening Test at Leeds, Team India will look to level the series at Birmingham when the second Test gets underway on Wednesday, June 2. With Jasprit Bumrah's availability still under the cloud, India will have to bring their A-Game on the ground to beat the home team.
How is the pitch at Birmingham?
The picture which has surfaced online shows the pitch appearing to offer more for the bowlers compared to the flat surface they encountered in Headingley.
On the eve of the match, the Edgbaston pitch showed visible patches of grass, suggesting it might offer movement for the fast bowlers, at least in the early stages.
The grass cover in Birmingham has already lessened over the past 24 hours. By the time play begins, there’s a chance the surface could resemble the batter-friendly pitches England has favoured in recent years.
For India, a green top would be a boost, offering a chance to exploit their pace resources more effectively. But whether that advantage materializes depends entirely on how the pitch looks come match day.
India's record at Edgbaston
The venue for the second Test hasn't been kind to the visitors. India has played eight Test matches at this venue and is yet to register even a single win. India’s sole draw at Edgbaston came in 1986, when both teams shook hands with India at 174/5, attempting a 236-run chase. India won the series 2-0 under Kapil Dev’s captaincy, marking their best performance in England. However, it was a missed opportunity for a complete series whitewash, an achievement yet to be accomplished by any Indian skipper.
The 22-yard surface will be a huge factor if India is to break the losing streak at this venue. For India's pace attack, particularly Jasprit Bumrah, a livelier surface would be welcome. A lively track could help India better manage their key pacers across a five-match series.
