Edgbaston: The Fortress India Has Yet to Conquer

India returns to Edgbaston for the 2nd Test vs England in July 2025, still chasing its first win at a ground long seen as a fortress for the hosts.

Edgbaston, Birmingham Cricket Ground records Trivia (Image Source: Google)

As the second Rothesay Test of the high-stakes England vs India 2025 series approaches, all eyes turn to Edgbaston—a venue rich with cricketing heritage, electric crowds, and a record that has remained stubbornly out of India’s reach. From July 2 to 6, 2025, Birmingham will host the latest chapter of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, with India desperately looking to rewrite a painful history.

Birmingham, home to a large Indian diaspora (over 6% of the city’s population), transforms into a sea of blue whenever India plays. Yet, despite the passionate backing, Edgbaston has remained a fortress India has never breached in Test cricket. Of the eight Tests played here, India has lost seven and drawn just one (in 1986). No other ground in England has haunted the team quite like this.

That hasn't dampened excitement. The first four days of this fixture sold out within hours—a testament to Edgbaston’s unmatched cricketing atmosphere and India's unwavering fan base.

A Historic First: India Men and Women at Edgbaston

For the first time ever, both the India Men’s and Women’s teams will feature at Edgbaston in the same summer. The women’s team is set to play the 5th T20I here on 12th July. For Birmingham’s cricket lovers, July is shaping up as a celebration of Indian cricket.

To mark the occasion, Edgbaston has launched its “Giant of Cricket” campaign, displaying portraits of Indian cricket stars across iconic Birmingham landmarks. But for India’s men’s team, the true challenge lies within the boundary ropes—finally claiming a Test win at a ground where so many have fallen short.

Edgbaston: England’s Stronghold

Edgbaston is England’s most beloved ground. It boasts a formidable Test record: 30 wins, 15 draws, and just 11 losses across 56 Tests. Home to Warwickshire County Cricket Club, the ground has witnessed some of the sport’s most iconic moments.

Once the youngest of England’s six regular Test venues (until 2003), Edgbaston underwent major upgrades in the late 1990s, funded largely by lottery grants. Key features like the Edgbaston Cricket Centre and the Eric Hollies Stand were added, the latter famously named after the bowler who dismissed Don Bradman for a duck in his final Test. A new pavilion opened in 2011, increasing capacity to nearly 25,000. Ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, the Edgbaston Plaza was introduced as part of further modernization.

Historic Moments at Edgbaston

First Test (1902): England vs Australia. Rain-affected draw; Australia bowled out for 36 in the first innings.

Brian Lara’s 501 (1994):* Still the highest individual score in first-class cricket.

First Women’s World Cup Final (1973): England beat Australia to lift the trophy.

First Floodlights in England (1997): Edgbaston became the first English ground to host day-night matches.

England’s 1000th Test (2018): Celebrated in a nail-biting match against India.

Covid-19 Role (2021): Transformed into a local vaccination centre.

Commonwealth Games (2022): Hosted the first-ever women’s T20 event in CWG history.

India’s Struggles at Edgbaston

Despite legendary performances, India has repeatedly fallen short at Edgbaston:

2022: England chased 378—its highest successful run chase—powered by Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow.

2018: Virat Kohli scored 149 & 51 in a valiant effort during England’s 1000th Test but India still fell short.

2011: England posted 710/7, their highest Test total at the venue, with Alastair Cook scoring 294.

1986: The only drawn Test for India at Edgbaston.

2013: India won the ICC Champions Trophy at Edgbaston, though in the ODI format.

It remains one of only two English venues where India has played 8 or more Tests without a single win.

Indians at Warwickshire

Several Indian players have represented Warwickshire over the years, including:

• Abdul Hafeez Kardar (late 1940s)
• Hanuma Vihari (2021)
• Jayant Yadav & Mohammed Siraj (2022)
• Players of Indian heritage like Ravi Bopara have also been part of the club’s legacy.

Stadium Snapshot

• Capacity: 24,803
• End Names: Birmingham End (formerly City End) and Pavilion End
• Floodlights: Yes
• Function Space: Banqueting Suite on the second floor

Best Indian Test Performances:

• Highest Score: Virat Kohli – 149 (2018)
• Best Bowling: Chetan Sharma – 6/58 (1986)