As the second Test between India and England unfolds at Edgbaston, Birmingham, a fresh controversy has hit the spotlight. Former England fast bowler Steven Finn has claimed that the boundary ropes for this match have been moved in—shorter than usual for a traditional Test match.

Team India ended Day 1 in a commanding position, scoring 310/5, with Shubman Gill unbeaten on a brilliant century. But Finn’s revelation has shifted some focus from on-field heroics to off-field tactics.

What Did Steven Finn Say?

Speaking on BBC’s broadcast, Finn revealed:

“We were at Edgbaston. I was standing near the boundary line. It looked much smaller than a normal Test match. The England team wants to win the toss, bowl first, and then chase down any target in the final innings. That’s why the boundary has been made so small.”

This statement has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. If true, it suggests England may be altering field dimensions to aid aggressive chasing in the fourth innings—a strategy that has worked for them in recent times.

Has England Used This Tactic Before?

England's new 'Bazball' strategy under coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes is based on fearless, aggressive play—even in Test cricket. In the first Test of the series, England successfully chased 371 runs with five wickets in hand, further fueling suspicions that the home side may be shaping conditions to their advantage.

Day 1: India Take Charge

Despite the boundary controversy, Team India delivered a solid batting performance:

• Shubman Gill: 114* (Not out)

• Yashasvi Jaiswal: 87 runs with 13 boundaries

• Ravindra Jadeja: 41* at stumps

• Karun Nair: 31 runs

• Rishabh Pant: 25 runs

• KL Rahul and Nitish Reddy disappointed with 2 and 1 respectively.

India will look to build a huge total on Day 2 to put the pressure squarely back on England—regardless of how short the boundaries are.