ENG vs IND 2025: Indian team advised to stay indoors after discovery of suspicious packet in Birmingham

On the eve of their second Test of the ongoing five-match series against England, the Indian cricket team was advised to stay indoors after the discovery of a suspicious package in the locality around Centenary Square in Birmingham. 

A source from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that the players were instructed to avoid going out  after a social media post from the Birmingham City Centre Police. Notably, the players and support staff was exploring the areas near the bustling Broad Street during the gap provided 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. 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,” read a post from Birmingham City Centre Police on X.

Eight players from the team, including skipper Shubman Gill, had turned up for training at Edgbaston while the rest of the 10 members had an off day. The police lifted the cordon out an hour later. 

Coming back to the current series, India are currently trailing after the hosts won the series opener at Headingley by five wickets as they chased down a steep 371-run target and won the contest in the final session of the fifth day. India were severely hurt by multiple dropped catches and bowling indiscipline as they lost despite taking a slender six-run lead in the first innings. 

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Edgbaston presents a stiffer challenge for India, as they have a poor record at the venue. Out of the eight Tests they have played at the venue so far, India have lost seven. Gill & Co. would be aiming to turn things around with four matches to go.