Former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu has subtly taken aim at former England captain Michael Vaughan ahead of the second Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham, which is scheduled to start on Wednesday, July 2. Sidhu, now a cricket analyst, reminded critics of India’s impressive turnaround during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Following a crushing loss in the first Test, India, under a new captain, staged a remarkable recovery to clinch the series 2-1, despite being dismissed for a mere 36 in their second innings of the opening match.

Sidhu made his remarks after Vaughan changed his prediction, moving from a 3-1 to a 4-0 series win in favour of England, following their five-wicket triumph in the first Test at Headingley.

“After being dismissed for 36, Michael Vaughan forecasted a 4-0 outcome. But then what happened? DSP Siraj and our captain, Shubman Gill, made their debuts in Melbourne, and we secured a victory in that game. Then we managed a tough draw in Sydney. Finally, we triumphed in Brisbane, a place where no one had won in years. Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant scored 92 and 89. Did you forget that so soon?”

“The Indian cricket team’s spirit is all about fighting back. Whenever they’re written off, they come back strong and achieve remarkable things. In fact, they make history. Think back to when India were all out for 36 in Adelaide. This team is performing exceptionally well. They took on England and dominated for almost four days,” he added.

India will be aiming to secure their first-ever Test win at Edgbaston, having suffered seven losses there, with one draw.