When Ben Stokes, England captain, announced his unchanged line‑up for the second Test, the cricket world breathed a sigh of relief – but the missing figure of Jofra Archer loomed large.
The match kicks off on Wednesday, 2 July 2025 at 11:00 am at Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on 30 June that the XI will be exactly the same eleven who secured a historic chase of 371 runs at Headingley.
Team selection and continuity
Stokes’ side features:
- Zak Crawley (opening batsman)
- Ben Duckett
- Ollie Pope
- Joe Root
- Harry Brook
- Stokes (captain)
- Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper)
- Chris Woakes
- Brydon Carse
- Josh Tongue
- Shoaib Bashir
The decision mirrors the ECB’s belief that consistency trumps tinkering after a win that saw an 188‑run opening partnership – Crawley’s 114 and Duckett’s 87 – dismantle India’s first‑innings lead.
Why Archer remains absent
Jofra Archer has not featured in Test cricket since February 2021, a drought caused by a right‑elbow injury, multiple surgeries and a back stress fracture that kept him out of the 2023 Ashes.
The ECB said Archer missed Monday’s training because of a family emergency, but declined to elaborate. Director of Cricket Richard Gibson told reporters, “Continuity is paramount after Headingley. All players have trained well this week with the exception of Archer who is dealing with a personal matter.”
The vacuum left by Archer has forced England to rely heavily on the seam attack of Woakes, Carse and Tongue. While they have been serviceable, the loss of a bowler who can consistently bowl 150 kph in the Caribbean‑born fast‑bowling tradition is a tactical headache, especially on a pitch that traditionally offers seam and swing early on.
The significance of the Edgbaston venue
Edgbaston is England’s most successful Test ground in recent memory – 17 wins from 33 matches. For India, the venue has yielded only three victories out of ten visits.
The ground’s reputation for a lively crowd and a pitch that can flatten out after the first two days means both sides will be keen to stake an early claim. The Met Office predicts a high of 22 °C with a 20% chance of rain – virtually perfect conditions for swing‑friendly bowling.
Umpiring duties will be handled by Nitin Menon from India and veteran Richard Illingworth from England, with Michael Gough as TV umpire and former Sri Lankan cricketer Ranjan Madugalle as referee.
Series context and championship stakes
This is the second encounter in the five‑Test series that forms part of the 2023‑2025 ICC World Test Championship. Both teams sit in the top four of the points table, so a win at Edgbaston could dramatically swing the championship race.
India, led by Shubman Gill, arrived in Birmingham after a disappointing loss at Headingley. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) kept its squad unchanged, signalling confidence in the current unit.
Statistically, England have chased 300+ in a Test only four times since 2016, making the Headingley chase a rarity. If they replicate that resilience, the series could tilt decisively in their favour.
Looking ahead: What’s next for England and India
Assuming the XI holds together, the third Test moves to Lord’s from 16‑20 July. That venue traditionally favours spin, meaning a youngster like Bashir could become a surprise weapon.
Meanwhile, the BCCI will likely reassess its pace attack after the Edgbaston result. If India can bounce back, the fourth Test at Old Trafford could turn into an all‑round showdown.
Ticket sales at Edgbaston already show 25,000 general admission tickets sold for the first four days, with only premium seats remaining through Keith Prowse. The commercial buzz underscores how pivotal this match is, not just for the championship but for the sport’s summer economy.
Key facts
- Date & time: 2 July 2025, 11:00 am BST
- Venue: Edgbaston Cricket Ground, Birmingham
- England XI: unchanged from Headingley victory
- Missing star: Jofra Archer
- Series stakes: Both teams in top‑four of World Test Championship
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did England keep the same XI after Headingley?
England’s management believes that continuity builds confidence. The unchanged XI produced a 371‑run chase – the second‑highest in England’s history – and all nine batsmen contributed, suggesting the blend of skill and temperament is working.
What impact does Jofra Archer’s absence have on England’s bowling?
Archer’s pace and ability to generate bounce are missing, which could limit England’s threat on a pitch that eases later in the match. The seamers will need to share the workload, and part‑time spinner Bashir may see more overs.
How does the Edgbaston result affect the World Test Championship race?
A win for England would catapult them toward the top‑two, while a loss would give India a vital boost in points. Both sides are within a few points of each other, so the outcome heavily influences the final league table.
What are the weather conditions expected for the match?
The Met Office forecasts partly cloudy skies, a high of 22 °C, and a 20% chance of rain – conditions that traditionally aid swing bowling in the early sessions.
When is the next Test in the series?
The third Test is scheduled at Lord’s in London from 16 to 20 July 2025, followed by matches at Old Trafford, Trent Bridge and finally The Oval in August.
