Security Scare Hits Team India Ahead of Edgbaston Test as Suspicious Object Prompts Indoor Advisory

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India vs England, Edgbaston Test: Team India advised to stay indoors after a suspicious package was discovered in Birmingham.

Security Scare in Birmingham Forces Indian Team Indoors Ahead of Second Test

India

A significant security concern surfaced ahead of the second Test between India and England at Edgbaston, Birmingham. On Tuesday, the Indian team, led by Shubman Gill and currently staying in central Birmingham, was instructed to remain indoors after a suspicious package was discovered at Centenary Square. According to a PTI report, the entire Indian contingent was advised not to leave the hotel premises following an alert issued by the Birmingham City Centre Police on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

Since arriving in the UK, Indian players had been seen exploring areas near the team hotel. In fact, ahead of the second Test, scheduled to begin on Wednesday, July 2, several players were spotted walking along Broad Street, a popular area close to the hotel.

“We’ve currently got a cordon in place around Centenary Square, Birmingham city centre, while we investigate a suspicious package,” the Birmingham City Centre 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.”

Despite the alert, training proceeded in a limited capacity. As per PTI, eight players, including captain Shubman Gill, reported to the ground for practice, while ten other squad members were given the day off.

What did Shubman Gill say to the reporters?

India have everything to play for in the second Test at Edgbaston after suffering a five-wicket defeat in the series opener at Leeds. All eyes are now on whether pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah will feature in the playing XI for the must-win clash.

Addressing the media during Tuesday’s pre-match press conference, captain Shubman Gill confirmed that Bumrah is available for selection. However, he added that the final decision would depend on the pitch conditions. “We are going to have a final look at the pitch today and see what kind of combination we want to go with,” Gill said.

India’s record at Edgbaston doesn’t inspire much confidence. In eight Tests at the venue, the visitors have lost seven and drawn one—still searching for their maiden win at this historic ground.

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