Akash Deep stars as ruthless India crush England by 336 runs to level series

Chasing a monumental 608 for victory, England instead batted with survival on their minds. But despite a dogged effort to salvage a draw, they were bowled out for 271 in 73 overs, with 27 still remaining in the final day's play. It marked India's first-ever Test win at Edgbaston - and one of their most emphatic in England.

The star of the show was 28-year-old Akash Deep, who claimed 6 for 99 in the second innings and finished with match figures of 10 for 164. The seamer exploited helpful conditions with relentless precision, setting the tone early on Day Five after morning rain had delayed the start.

In a devastating opening burst, Deep removed Ollie Pope - chopping on in the third over-and trapped Harry Brook lbw with a sharp nip-backer just two overs later. England slumped to 131 for 5 by lunch after Ben Stokes was undone by Washington Sundar, ending a 115-ball partnership with Jamie Smith that had offered flickers of resistance.

Smith, fresh from a superb 184 not out in the first innings, counterattacked again with a spirited 88 featuring four sixes. But just as England harbored faint hopes, he holed out on the hook, gifting Deep his maiden five-wicket haul in just his eighth Test.

From there, India tightened their grip. Mohammed Siraj produced a moment of brilliance with a one-handed stunner at mid-wicket to remove Josh Tongue, while Shubman Gill fittingly claimed the final catch to dismiss Brydon Carse - capping off a personal performance that included a combined 430 runs with the bat and sharp captaincy throughout.

It was also Gill's first Test win as skipper, a major milestone that underscores India's depth and leadership transition in a key World Test Championship series.

For England, who had arrived in Birmingham buoyed by their Headingley heroics, this was a sobering reality check. The hosts were thoroughly outplayed in all departments-batting, bowling, and fielding - and face significant questions ahead of the third Test at Lord's, especially with a four-day turnaround and concerns over their pace attack's fitness.

India, meanwhile, will be buoyed by this statement win - especially after letting a dominant position slip in Leeds last week. With Jasprit Bumrah expected to return for the Lord's Test and momentum now firmly on their side, the visitors look set to push hard for a series victory on English soil.

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