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The third day of the second Test between England and India at Edgbaston proved to be a gripping affair, filled with dramatic shifts in momentum and standout individual performances. While India began the day on top, early wickets threatened to seal England’s fate before an incredible fightback breathed life into the contest. However, India’s fast bowlers struck back in the final sessions to ensure the visitors closed the day in a dominant position once again.
Jamie Smith, Harry Brook sizzle with extraordinary batting display
England, under immense pressure following two underwhelming days, found hope through an extraordinary counterattack led by Jamie Smith and Harry Brook. Trailing by a massive margin and staring at further collapse, the duo stitched together a remarkable sixth-wicket partnership worth 303 runs, dragging their side back into the contest — at least momentarily.
Smith was the architect of England’s comeback, reaching an unbeaten 184 in aggressive fashion. His first hundred came in just 80 balls, equaling one of the fastest centuries ever by an English batter in Test cricket. Brook, equally composed yet assertive, scored 158, playing the perfect foil to Smith as the pair pulled England from 84/5 to a fighting total.
Mohammed Siraj dismantles England’s resistance with 6-wicket burst
Just when England looked to be closing in on India’s massive first-innings total of 587, Mohammed Siraj delivered a devastating spell that turned the tide back in the visitors’ favour. After striking twice in quick succession during the morning session by removing Joe Root and Ben Stokes, he returned later in the day to mop up the tail, ending with brilliant figures of 6 for 70 — his best in Test matches in England.
Siraj’s relentless lines and clever use of seam movement were too much for England’s lower order, as the home side folded for 407— still trailing India by 180 runs. With England still fighting, it was Akash Deep who made the breakthrough that shattered their momentum. He dismissed Brook with a delivery that nipped in sharply and rattled the stumps. Soon after, he removed Chris Woakes as England’s hopes faded. Akash’s spell with the second new ball yielded 4 for 88, as England’s innings ended in a flurry — losing their final five wickets for just 20 runs.
India strengthen their advantage before stumps
India’s second innings got off to a solid start despite the loss of opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was leg-before to Josh Tongue. KL Rahul (28*) guided the team to 64/1 at the close of play, pushing the lead to 244 runs with two days left in the Test. What looked like a day heading in England’s direction was turned around by India’s pace battery. The Smith-Brook partnership provided a glimmer of hope, but Siraj and Akashdeep ensured the visitors walked off the field in command, one step closer to securing a crucial win.
Also READ: ENG vs IND: Fans slam Prasidh Krishna for disastrous bowling spell on Day 3 of Edgbaston Test
Here’s how fans reacted:
The biggest change I’ve noticed in Siraj has been his accuracy and consistency in landing the ball in the right areas. His persistence has been rewarded with 6 wickets.
Very ably supported by Akash Deep as well. Well done!Special partnership between Brook and Smith who were…
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt)
Despite massive partnership between Brook and Smith very good day for India: 244 runs ahead with 9 wickets in hand is strong position to press for win. Fiery Siraj star of the day. Tactic for tomorrow: Get enough runs in 2 sessions and have 140-150 overs to bowl England out.
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah)
Start of match we wud take 244 lead with both hands. Aside Brook Smith mega partnership India bundled Eng for 105.. incl six ducks. So sure this match has a future…, & is our pace trio for , pencilled in.
— Pattu (@avijit_patnaik)
No workload management
Not claimed to be fittest player
Bowled most overs for India since 2021
Always gives his 100% for his country
Bowls with full dedicationSir mohommad siraj♥️🇮🇳
— ᴊᴇʀꜱᴇʏ¹⁸🚩 (@KINGNATION__18)
An excellent day of the exciting Test comes to an end 👏
Scorecard 👉— betvisa68.com (@CricketTimesHQ)
this harry brook and jamie smith partnership reminded me of sachin and azhar partnership at capetown.Full of breath taking shots and sublime batting from both of them
— sach is life (@sunilguddu)
Just got to know that siraj has bowled 950+ overs since 2022. Insane 🔥🥵
— ɯlse (@pitchinginline)
A lone effort from Brook + Smith.
Brook – 158 (234)
Smith – 184* (207)
The Rest – 46 (108)
Extras – 19Six players gone for 0, one single figure score, one in the 10s, one in the 20s + two in the 150+ range. Extraordinary 🤯
407ao + still 180 behind 🥲
— Will Comish (@WillComish)
Do Bhai, Dono Tabahi !!
Brook 91*
Smith 102*— Knight Rider (@iKnightRider19)
🇮🇳 vs 🏴England 2nd Test, Day 3:
India lead by 244 runs after ending Day 3 at 64/1 (Jaiswal 28).
ENG all out for 407 — Brook 158, Smith 184*.
Siraj 6/70 🔥
Gill’s 269 set the tone earlier.
India in control, but ENG showed fight!— BIVASH MAITY🇮🇳 (@bivashmaity18)
An extraordinary day of Test match cricket . 🏏 Brook & Smith remarkable partnership but loved the way Siraj & Deep pulled it back . Sadly England bowlers couldn’t match them . It take a huge effort to prevent India deservedly winning .
— Nick Stewart (@colonelstewart)
Dukes Ball, dead wicket, brilliant batting from with good support from Yashasvi & Jadeja. ENG 84/5 & then stunning knocks from Smith & Brook, a partnership of 303 runs & then Siraj & Akashdeep sharing 10 wickets to give IND a lead of 180 runs👏👏👏
— Dr Praveen Kumar (@Fertilitydocpk)
When Brook & Smith were rewriting the script, it felt like England had grabbed the pen. But Siraj’s fire & Akashdeep’s heart tore it right out of their hands. That spell changed not just the session it flipped the fate of this Test. 🔥
— Cricket for her (@coverdrivetoher)
Also WATCH: ENG vs IND – Jamie Smith punishes Prasidh Krishna with a 23-run over on Day 3 of Edgbaston Test
