Chris Woakes shines as England claims early wickets against India

In England, on July 2, 2025, the second Test match between England and India commenced at Edgbaston after the home team achieved a remarkable five-wicket victory in the first Test match at Headingley. England's captain Ben Stokes won the toss and opted to bowl first, hoping to capitalize on the conditions and the team's momentum from their previous success. The game began amidst a dry atmosphere, a welcome change from the prior heatwave, and the crowd's energy was palpable as it was a sellout for the first four days of play. The pitch appeared to be favorable for batters, generating excitement for spectators and players alike. Early in the match, Chris Woakes demonstrated his bowling prowess, delivering an impressive new-ball spell on his home ground. Woakes dismissed wicket-keeper batsman KL Rahul, inducing an inside edge that led to his stumps being toppled. His spell included notable precision, as he bowled four maidens in his seven-over effort. Woakes's ability to nip the ball off the seam created constant pressure on the Indian batsmen, although it took nearly 40 minutes before he broke through with Rahul's wicket. As Jaiswal proved to be a formidable opponent for England, Woakes worked diligently to find ways to dismiss other key players, including moments where he almost dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal and Karun Nair but failed to secure the desired LBW calls. Brydon Carse was introduced after Woakes's effective spell, and he soon made an impact by taking the wicket of Karun Nair as India reached 98 for two at lunch. India's response included moments of aggression from their batsmen, particularly when they capitalized on opportunities presented by Josh Tongue, whose erratic bowling allowed for runs to flow freely during his six-over stint. However, once Carse provided a change of pace and style, he managed to force Nair into a mistake, which culminated in an edge to second slip. With the crowd rallying behind England, the hosts sought to maximize pressure on a formidable Indian team, which included the decision to rest star bowler Jasprit Bumrah for this Test, aiming to conserve him for the upcoming match at Lord's next week. As the first day of the match unfolded, the atmosphere was charged, blending the competitive spirit of cricket with a profound sense of remembrance. England donned black armbands to honor former cricketer Wayne Larkins, who had recently passed away. This match not only served as a testament to the players’ skills but also a recognition of the sport’s history, underscoring the blend of competition and camaraderie that cricket represents in a country with such a rich cricketing heritage.