India vs England 2nd Test to be postponed? Indian team locked in team Hotel for suspicious BOMB threat

A major security scare unfolded in Birmingham after a suspicious package was found near Centenary Square, close to the hotel where the Indian cricket team is staying. The Shubman Gill-led team, currently in the city for the second Test against England, has been advised to remain inside their hotel.

India are set to face England in the second Test of the ongoing five-match series at Edgbaston, Birmingham, from July 2 to 6. England are leading the series 1-0 after securing a five-wicket win in the series opener on Day 5. India will be looking to bounce back and level the series in the second Test.

Suspicious Package Found Near Indian Team's Hotel in Birmingham

Authorities in Birmingham have sealed off the area near the Hyatt Regency Hotel, where the Indian team is currently staying, due to a security scare. A suspicious package was discovered near Centenary Square, prompting the West Midlands Police to evacuate surrounding buildings as a precaution.

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In a social media post, the Birmingham City Centre Police advised the public to avoid the area while the investigation is underway. The alert was raised shortly before 3 PM yesterday, and emergency services responded swiftly to assess the situation.

"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," the Birmingham City Centre Police said.

Indian Players Step Out After Brief Lockdown Near Team Hotel

Following an optional practice session at Edgbaston, the Indian cricket team was alerted to a security situation while returning to their hotel. The team received instructions from their security unit and local police to remain indoors briefly as a precaution.

After about thirty minutes, the situation was deemed safe, and normalcy resumed at the team hotel and nearby areas, allowing players to move about freely.

The training session earlier in the day was attended by captain Shubman Gill, along with Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, and support staff members.

England Retain Same XI for Second Test vs India at Edgbaston

England have confirmed an unchanged playing XI for the second Test against India at Edgbaston. Jofra Archer, who returned to the Test squad after four years, has not been included in the lineup.

On the other hand, India are facing selection dilemmas after their defeat in the first Test, where five individual centuries weren’t enough to secure a win. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate and captain Shubman Gill hinted at possible adjustments during their pre-match press conferences.

While pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has been declared fit, Gill stated that a final decision on his inclusion will be made closer to match time. The team management might consider dropping players like Shardul Thakur and Prasidh Krishna, who had underwhelming performances in the series opener.

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