IND vs ENG: Can India Break Their Edgbaston Jinx In The Second Test?

India is all set to take on England in the second Test of the five-match series at Edgbaston, Birmingham, starting next Wednesday (July 2). After a tough loss in the opening Test at Headingley in Leeds, the team has some catching up to do. Despite an impressive batting display that saw them score five centuries across both innings – a record for India in a Test match – they still ended up losing by five wickets.

IND vs ENG: Can India Break Their Edgbaston Jinx In The Second Test?

India Eyes a Comeback at Edgbaston After Leeds Setback

Now trailing 0-1 in their first series of the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, India will be keen to bounce back. But they’ll need to overcome more than just England’s challenge – they also have a poor track record at Edgbaston. So the big question is: has India ever won a Test match at this venue? Let’s find out.

Edgbaston has never really been a lucky venue for India in Test cricket. Out of the eight Tests they’ve played there so far, they’ve lost seven and managed just one draw. But Edgbaston isn’t the only ground in England where India has struggled to win.

Other English Grounds Where India Still Seeks a Win

Two other venues – Old Trafford in Manchester and the Rose Bowl in Southampton – also remain winless for India. At Old Trafford, India has played nine Tests, losing four and drawing five, while at the Rose Bowl, they’ve lost all three matches they’ve played.

Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham has a long history, having hosted its first international match in 1902. India played their first Test at this venue in 1967. Since then, it hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for the visitors. Out of 16 innings played here, India has managed to score over 300 only twice, with their lowest total being just 92. While India has lost most of their matches at Edgbaston, they did manage to draw one game back in 1986 – a series they went on to win.

One of the most memorable performances at this ground came in 2011, when England opener Alastair Cook scored a massive 294 runs, helping his team post a daunting 710 for seven—the highest Test total ever recorded at Edgbaston.

More recently, in 2022, India came close but couldn’t seal the deal. England pulled off their highest successful run chase in Test cricket history, chasing down 378 runs in just 76.4 overs with seven wickets to spare.