Birmingham, July 6— Akash Deep delivered a career-defining performance with a six-wicket haul as India scripted a resounding 336-run victory over England at Edgbaston on Sunday, levelling the five-match Test series 1-1 and securing their first-ever win at the iconic venue.
The 27-year-old pacer, playing only his second Test, produced a fiery spell of 6 for 99, dismantling England’s top order and finishing with match figures of 10 wickets. His spell capped off a dominant Indian performance, with England bowled out for 271 in pursuit of an improbable 608-run target.
“It’s a dream come true,” Akash Deep said after the match. “To contribute to such a historic win, especially at a ground where we’ve never won before, is beyond words.”
The victory marks a major turnaround for India at Edgbaston, a venue that had long eluded them. Before Sunday, India had played eight Tests at the ground, losing seven and drawing one. Their last outing at the venue ended in heartbreak in 2022, when England chased down a record 378-run target.
England, resuming on 153 for 6 after lunch on Day 4, showed brief resistance through Jamie Smith, who played a counter-attacking innings. Smith raced to 88, launching two consecutive sixes in a bold bid to reach his maiden Test century. However, he fell attempting a third, mistiming a pull to deep backward square, where he was caught—becoming Deep’s fifth scalp of the innings.
Brydon Carse added some late fireworks with his aggressive 38, but his cameo ended when he holed out off Akash Deep to India captain Shubman Gill, who held on to the catch that clinched India’s landmark win.
“It’s a huge moment for us as a team,” Gill said after the match. “Akash has been outstanding—relentless in his lengths and mentally strong. This win was all about discipline and belief.”
India’s dominance was built on the back of a commanding first-innings score, followed by sharp bowling and fielding. While the batters gave India a massive cushion, it was the bowlers—led by Akash Deep—who ensured England never got a foothold in the chase.
Former captain and commentator Michael Vaughan praised the visitors, calling it “one of the most complete performances by India on English soil.”
The emphatic win has not only levelled the series but also lifted Indian morale after a tough opening loss. The series now heads to Headingley, where both teams will look to gain the upper hand.
With his breakout performance, Akash Deep has not only announced himself on the world stage but also etched his name into the annals of Indian cricket history—as the man who helped India conquer Edgbaston at last.
