India, July 7 -- An unprecedented five centuries. A five-wicket haul for the best bowler in the world. A target of 371 to defend in the final innings. And yet, a five-wicket loss which was every bit as emphatic as the margin suggests.

Headingley was touted as the 'unlosable' Test that, somehow, India had managed to throw away.

How would they shape up at winless Edgbaston? Where, in eight previous attempts, they had courted seven defeats? Without the best bowler in the world? With England's confidence on a high and their own morale certain to have taken a beating after the developments in Leeds?

It was inevitable that, in Jasprit Bumrah's absence, questions would be raised about the efficacy of the Indian bowling, about its ability to d...