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.

Ramping up 📈

Watch our full edit from England Men's training, right here 📺👇

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 1, 2025

Police alert triggers safety advisory

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."

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. pic.twitter.com/wlpKTna44w

— Birmingham City Centre Police (@BrumCityWMP) July 1, 2025

Quick response, limited disruption

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.

India face defeat in Headingley

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.

Energised for Edgbaston 🙌

Gearing up for the 2nd #ENGvIND Test 👌👌#TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/XNnOWC3WyC

— 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.  

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