Team India has landed in Edgbaston for the second Test against England. The venue has never been lucky for India in red-ball cricket, and history shows that India has never won a Test match on this ground. However, what adds to the challenge this time is the return of England’s pace sensation Jofra Archer, a bowler known for troubling top-order batters with raw pace, bounce, and accuracy.
While Indian fans are hopeful after a strong show in Leeds, Archer’s return could shift the momentum. The English camp believes his pace could rattle India’s batting lineup, especially with the fresh pitch conditions at Edgbaston. But interestingly, just a few months ago, a young Indian batter named Vaibhav Suryavanshi played Archer like a pro in IPL 2025 nets.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi Once Dominated Archer in IPL Practice Nets
In a rather surprising turn of events during IPL 2025, 14-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi—part of the Rajasthan Royals squad—faced Archer in the nets and confidently smashed him. According to Vaibhav, out of the eight balls he faced, he got beaten only twice. The other six deliveries were either smacked or played with ease.
This video went viral on social media after Vaibhav himself posted the clip, where he cleanly timed a few shots off Archer, showing no fear of his pace or bounce. Though it was just a practice session, many fans started comparing Vaibhav’s confidence to that of seasoned pros.
However, while that might have been a practice net and Archer was not at full intensity, the Edgbaston Test is a different ball game altogether.
Why Archer Is Still a Big Threat in the Edgbaston Test
Jofra Archer returns to red-ball cricket after a long break of nearly four years. Injuries kept him away from the longest format, but England has now brought him back to strengthen the pace attack. Archer’s style suits English conditions perfectly—he swings the ball both ways, maintains pressure with tight lines, and can generate extra bounce from even slow pitches.
What makes Archer a bigger concern for India is his record against some of India’s key batters:
- KL Rahul: Scored only 6 runs in 3 international innings vs Archer, dismissed once.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: Dismissed for just 2 runs in their only Test encounter.
- Shubman Gill: Scored 37 runs across 4 innings, dismissed twice by Archer.
- Rishabh Pant: Scored 30 runs in 5 innings, dismissed once.
All these numbers suggest that Archer has already tasted success against India’s top four batters. Given that these same players will likely open in Edgbaston, the pressure is on.
Edgbaston Test Will Be Archer’s Real Test Too
Although Archer has never played a Test match at Edgbaston, he has an impressive overall record in home Tests. In just 8 Test matches in England, he has taken 30 wickets. His career-best spells have come in English conditions, where his pace is more effective due to the swing-friendly atmosphere.
That said, returning to the longest format after such a long gap might make it tough for Archer to get into rhythm immediately. While his match fitness has improved post-IPL 2025, bowling long spells in Test cricket will be the real test. Indian batters, who showed great discipline in the Leeds Test, will look to attack his confidence early.
What Indian Batters Need to Watch Out For
Archer’s biggest weapon is his consistency. He can bowl long spells with tight lines and mix short-pitched deliveries smartly. With Edgbaston likely to offer help to fast bowlers on Days 1 and 2, India’s openers—KL Rahul and Jaiswal—need to see off the new ball carefully.
Shubman Gill, who is leading the side, must use his experience against Archer to his advantage. He’s faced him enough to understand his angles and pace changes. Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant will be expected to counterattack if the top order struggles, as he often brings a change in momentum.
Archer’s Return Sets the Stage for a Fierce Battle
Team India will need a strong mindset at Edgbaston. While Archer may not be at peak Test form yet, his mere presence adds pressure to the Indian dressing room. His past performances and pace make him one of the most dangerous bowlers in world cricket.
On the other hand, the Indian camp can take confidence from their recent batting form in Leeds and the IPL performance of young guns like Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who has already shown that even Archer can be tamed.
With both teams set for a tight contest, all eyes will be on Archer’s first spell. If he finds rhythm early, India could be in trouble. But if Indian batters stand strong, it might be England facing the heat.
