In this blog by Cricbet99, we cover every essential detail, including pitch analysis, expected team lineups, and top fantasy cricket picks. Whether you're a casual viewer or an experienced fantasy player, this guide will help you make informed decisions.

Match Overview

  • Match: India vs England, 2nd Test
  • Date: June 28 to July 2, 2025
  • Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham
  • Start Time: 3:30 PM IST / 11:00 AM Local Time

Edgbaston Pitch Report

Edgbaston is traditionally known for its balanced pitch, offering assistance to both batsmen and bowlers. Over the years, the venue has been a happy hunting ground for seamers, especially during the early days of a Test match. Spinners generally come into play from Day 3 onwards.

Key Characteristics:

  • Day 1 & 2: Seam and swing movement with the new ball.
  • Day 3 onwards: Slower pitch, aiding spinners and reverse swing.
  • Batting Difficulty: Moderate; shot-making becomes easier in the afternoon sessions.

Weather Forecast:

Scattered showers are expected on Day 2 and Day 4. Overcast conditions may benefit fast bowlers early on.

Team News and Probable Playing XIs

India

India may stick to a similar lineup but could consider rotating their bowlers due to the workload. Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli will be key with the bat. In the bowling department, Bumrah and Siraj lead the attack.

Probable XI:

  1. Rohit Sharma (C)
  2. Yashasvi Jaiswal
  3. Shubman Gill
  4. Virat Kohli
  5. KL Rahul (WK)
  6. Ravindra Jadeja
  7. R Ashwin
  8. Shardul Thakur
  9. Jasprit Bumrah
  10. Mohammed Siraj
  11. Mukesh Kumar

England

England may bring back Jack Leach if the pitch is expected to take turn. Their batting depends heavily on Root and Stokes. Anderson and Wood are expected to lead the pace attack.

Probable XI:

  1. Zak Crawley
  2. Ben Duckett
  3. Ollie Pope
  4. Joe Root
  5. Ben Stokes (C)
  6. Jonny Bairstow (WK)
  7. Moeen Ali
  8. Chris Woakes
  9. Mark Wood
  10. James Anderson
  11. Jack Leach

Key Players to Watch

India

  • Virat Kohli: In strong form and has a good record against England.
  • Jasprit Bumrah: Can exploit Edgbaston’s early movement.
  • R Ashwin: Likely to be effective from Day 3.

England

  • Joe Root: Reliable and experienced.
  • Ben Stokes: Can turn a game with both bat and ball.
  • James Anderson: Dangerous in overcast English conditions.

Fantasy Cricket Picks

Choosing the right fantasy cricket team requires a mix of form analysis, pitch awareness, and weather conditions. Based on our in-depth research at Cricbet99, here are top picks for fantasy contests.

Wicketkeepers:

  • KL Rahul: Batting at No. 5 gives him ample scoring opportunities.
  • Jonny Bairstow: Explosive middle-order option.

Batsmen:

  • Virat Kohli
  • Joe Root
  • Shubman Gill
  • Ollie Pope

All-rounders:

  • Ravindra Jadeja
  • Ben Stokes

Bowlers:

  • Jasprit Bumrah
  • James Anderson
  • R Ashwin
  • Mark Wood

Fantasy Tips for IND vs ENG 2nd Test

  • Pick top-order batsmen from both teams.
  • Select at least three bowlers who can make an impact early.
  • Keep an eye on pitch and weather updates closer to toss.
  • Back experienced players for consistency.

Betting Insight and Strategy

As always, Cricbet99 Club offers deep betting insights to help you wager responsibly.

Key Betting Markets:

  • Top Run Scorer (India): Kohli or Gill
  • Top Wicket Taker (England): Anderson or Wood
  • Match Winner: Edgbaston has favored England, but a strong Indian bowling lineup levels the odds

Betting Strategy:

  • Bet conservatively in the first innings.
  • Wait till Day 2 to understand pitch behavior.
  • Look for player performance markets rather than outright result bets.

Cricbet99 Login for Daily Updates

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Conclusion

The 2nd Test between India and England is set to be another memorable chapter in their long-standing rivalry. Edgbaston offers a challenging environment for both batters and bowlers, and team selection will play a crucial role. With the right insights, fantasy users and bettors can maximize their gains.

Stay tuned with Cricbet99 for continuous updates, expert tips, and analytical breakdowns throughout the series.