IND vs ENG 2nd Test: Shubman Gill and Co. advised to stay indoors after 'bomb scare' near team's Birmingham hotel
Less than 24 hours before the start of the second Test at Edgbaston, the Indian cricket team members were instructed to stay indoors after a suspicious package was discovered near Centenary Square in Birmingham - just minutes away from their hotel.
The high-stakes clash is part of the ongoing five-match Test series against England and holds significance in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 standings. India trail the series 0–1 and are looking to bounce back.
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 1, 2025Ramping up 📈
Watch our full edit from England Men's training, right here 📺👇
According to a source from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), players and support staff were advised against stepping out after a warning was issued by Birmingham City Centre Police on social media. The alert came while several Indian squad members had been exploring the Broad Street area during the break between the first and second Tests.
"We've currently got a cordon in place around Centenary Square, Birmingham city centre, while we investigate a suspicious package," police posted on X. “We were alerted just before 3 pm, and a number of buildings have been evacuated as a precaution while it's assessed. Please avoid the area."
— Birmingham City Centre Police (@BrumCityWMP) July 1, 2025We've currently got a cordon in place around Centenary Square, #Birmingham city centre, while we investigate a suspicious package.
We were alerted just before 3pm, and a number of buildings have been evacuated as a precaution while it's assessed.
Please avoid the area. pic.twitter.com/wlpKTna44w
While the scare led to temporary restrictions in the area, the cordon was lifted about an hour later after the package was deemed safe.
UPDATE | The cordon has now been lifted. Thanks for your patience.
— Birmingham City Centre Police (@BrumCityWMP) July 1, 2025
Despite the brief uncertainty, eight Indian players, including captain Shubman Gill, proceeded with their scheduled training session at Edgbaston. The remaining ten squad members were on a rest day.
The visitors will be entering the second Test on the back of a 1-0 loss in the series opener. England managed to pull off a remarkable five-wicket win in the first match at Headingley.
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 1, 2025
The hosts chased down a daunting 371-run target easily, clinching victory in the final session of Day 5. India, who had taken a narrow six-run lead in the first innings, were undone by dropped catches and lacklustre bowling.
The pressure now mounts on captain Gill and his team as they head to a venue where the Men in Blue have historically struggled. Out of eight Tests played there by India, they have lost seven. With four matches remaining in the series, the visitors will be desperate to make a strong comeback.
Karen Noronha is a versatile journalist with a passion for sports and K-pop. With over 7 years of experience at publications like IBTimes UK, DNA, and OTTPlay/DesiMartini, she seamlessly transitions between covering global athletic events and the dynamic world of K-pop.
