In the second Test at Edgbaston, India made a strong comeback to level the series at 1-1 with a commanding victory by 336 runs.

This win marked India’s first Test triumph at Edgbaston, breaking a streak of seven losses and one draw in their previous encounters at the venue. The first Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series had seen England securing a five-wicket win Headingley (Leeds).

This victory is also notable as it is the first time India has levelled a series in England right after dropping the first Test. In past series, they had lost the opening Test 13 times and often followed that up with a second Test defeat or a drawn match.

The margin of victory-336 runs-sets a record for India for the largest win by runs away from home, surpassing their previous record of 318 runs against the West Indies in North Sound in 2019.

Akash Deep’s impressive match figures of 10-187 are now the best for an Indian bowler in a men’s Test in England. He joins Chetan Sharma, who was the only other Indian to achieve a ten-wicket haul in England back in 1986.

India entered in the second Test after a disappointing loss that they certainly could have avoided. It was a missed opportunity for them to secure their first win since Durban 2010-11, even without key players like Virat Kohli, R. Ashwin, and Rohit Sharma.

But despite missing ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah and having to contend with losing the toss and weather delays on the morning of day five, India showcased their prowess by defeating England decisively.

While the young Indian team delivered an exceptional performance, the English bowling attack faltered, letting their captain and management down. An inexperienced bowling line-up struggled to contain a robust Indian batting display throughout both Tests. Even though the home team clinched the first Test, it was their batting, rather than bowling, that ultimately secured victory in a challenging situation.

England’s current bowling attack relies heavily on younger players and a few seasoned campaigners, but it lacks the depth and experience of the Broad-Anderson era.

England bowling without the retired duo of James Anderson and Stuart Broad looked toothless. Both retired pacers were most successful Test bowlers of all time with a combined 1,308 wickets in 354 Tests between them, with Anderson holding the record for the most wickets by a fast bowler in Test cricket (704) while Broad not far behind with 604.

The aggregate 895 wickets by James Anderson (473) and Stuart Broad (422) in the 117 Tests they have played together, the most by a fast-bowling pair. If we consider all bowling pairs, only one has taken more wickets playing together - Glenn McGrath (488) and Shane Warne (513) picked up 1001 wickets in 104 Tests.

On the other hand, England’s new bowling pace attack collectively (Chris Woakes 184 wickets in 59 Tests), Brydon Carse (33 wickets in 7 Tests) and Josh Tongue (23 in 5 matches) have played 71 Tests and taken 240 wickets.

The England cricket team has long been a formidable force in international cricket, with its bowling attack often leading the charge. The absence of Stuart Broad and James Anderson marks a significant turning point for the national team’s bowling attack.

These two legendary fast bowlers have been the backbone of England’s bowling lineup for over a decade, providing experience, skill, and consistency. Their departure leaves a substantial void that cannot be easily filled, challenging selectors to find suitable replacements.

Their ability to swing the ball, exploit seam movement, and adapt to various conditions made them a nightmare for opposing batsmen. Their retirements-Anderson in July 2024 and Broad in July 2023-marked the end of an era, leaving England without their two most experienced and reliable bowlers.

England’s bowling attack has historically struggled in sub-continental and Australian conditions.

Without Broad and Anderson, who adapted well to diverse pitches, the team’s overseas performance has worsened, as seen in the 2024 India tour where England lost 4-1.

England’s management, led by Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, has adopted an aggressive “Bazball” approach, which prioritises attacking cricket. While this has revitalised the batting, it has exposed the bowling unit’s inexperience, as the team often needs quick wickets to stay in games.

The team has also experimented with unconventional strategies, such as using Stokes as a frontline bowler and relying on part-time spinners. While these tactics have occasionally worked, they are not sustainable long-term solutions.

Rebuilding will require patience, strategic planning, and a focus on developing a balanced attack capable of performing across formats and conditions. Until then, England’s bowling remains a work in progress, struggling to live up to the legacy of two of cricket’s greatest bowlers.

Currently, no direct replacements possess the same combination of longevity, skill, and leadership that Broad and Anderson brought to the team. While promising young bowlers are making strides, the transition period is critical.

England’s cricketing authorities are under pressure to develop new spearheads who can carry the mantle forward. The absence of these experienced campaigners underscores the importance of fostering new talent to sustain England’s competitiveness in Test and limited overs formats.

Another concerning trend is England’s increasing ineffectiveness in away conditions without their senior bowlers. England is struggling to bowl out teams twice-a key to winning Test matches. Matches are either being drawn or lost due to the inability to take 20 wickets consistently.

Without significant improvements, England risks falling behind in Test cricket’s competitive landscape. England’s management must take decisive action to rebuild an attack capable of competing at the highest level.

khurrams87@yahoo.com