IND VS ENG 2nd Test: Suspicious Packet Found Near Team India Hotel In Birmingham, Players Asked To Stay Indoors, Says Report
Birmingham: A day ahead of the second Test against England, the players from the Indian cricket team were asked to stay indoors after a suspicious package was discovered near their hotel at Centenary Square, prompting a swift response from local authorities.
Scare near Team India hotel
The decision was taken following an alert issued by Birmingham City Centre Police via social media on Tuesday, July 1. The team is staying near the busy Broad Street area known for its restaurants and nightlife, often frequented by players on off days.
The police announcement, posted on X (formerly Twitter), stated: “We’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.”
Roughly an hour after the alert, the police lifted the cordon, confirming the area was safe and allowing normal activity to resume. Eight players, including captain Shubman Gill, made it to Edgbaston for training, while the rest had a scheduled rest day.
India's record at Edgbaston
The venue for the second Test hasn't been kind to the visitors. India has played eight Test matches at this venue and is yet to register even a single win. India’s sole draw at Edgbaston came in 1986, when both teams shook hands with India at 174/5, attempting a 236-run chase. India won the series 2-0 under Kapil Dev’s captaincy, marking their best performance in England. However, it was a missed opportunity for a complete series whitewash, an achievement yet to be accomplished by any Indian skipper.
The 22-yard surface will be a huge factor if India is to break the losing streak at this venue. A livelier surface would be welcome. and could help India better manage their key pacers across a five-match series.
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