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Siraj’s Six-Fer Puts India in Command After Record Brook-Smith Stand at Edgbaston
England Counterattacks with Record-Breaking Partnership
Despite a precarious start on Day 3 of the second Test at Edgbaston, England mounted a phenomenal comeback thanks to a mammoth 303-run partnership between Jamie Smith and Harry Brook. The duo’s counterattacking innings not only helped England avoid the follow-on but also left cricket fans in awe with a show of grit and skill. Smith’s unbeaten 184 – his career-best –* and Brook’s elegant 158 formed the backbone of England’s total of 407, but India’s lead of 244 runs by stumps and Mohammed Siraj’s six-wicket haul kept the visitors firmly in control.
Smith, Brook Revive England After Early Collapse
The day began under overcast Birmingham skies, where India quickly seized the upper hand. Mohammed Siraj, exploiting the morning conditions expertly, removed Joe Root and Ben Stokes in successive deliveries, reducing England to 84/5. Root tickled a leg-side delivery to Rishabh Pant, while Stokes was undone by a rising short ball that kissed the handle of the bat before landing in Pant’s gloves.
However, Jamie Smith’s arrival injected momentum into England’s innings. He drove the hat-trick ball from Siraj straight down the ground for four, signaling a counterattack. Brook joined the act soon after, and the duo unleashed a flurry of boundaries, especially targeting Prasidh Krishna and Nitish Reddy.
Smith reached his half-century in just 38 balls and brought up his century off 80 balls, while Brook steadily moved to a fifty in 72 deliveries. The pair made full use of a lenient Indian slip cordon and neutralized the short-ball strategy with confident strokeplay. Their stand was particularly aggressive in the pre-lunch session, where 172 runs were scored, putting the pressure back on India.
India Strikes Back with Second New Ball
Akash Deep Breaks Stand as Collapse Ensues
The afternoon session brought more frustration for India as England cruised past the follow-on target without losing a wicket. Brook brought up his ninth Test century and later his 150 in 222 balls, while Smith marched to his maiden Test 150 in just 144 balls, the fifth fastest for England.
But just when it looked like England could close the gap significantly, Akash Deep broke the 303-run partnership, dismissing Brook with a delivery that nipped back and crashed into the stumps. From there, England’s resistance crumbled.
Chris Woakes edged Akash to slip, and Siraj cleaned up the tail with a masterclass in reverse swing. His scalps included Carse (LBW), Tongue (LBW on review), and Shoaib Bashir (bowled). England lost their final three wickets for zero runs, with six ducks in the innings, despite Brook and Smith contributing 342 of the 407 runs.
India Extends Lead Under Lights
As the evening session commenced, India added more pressure on England by reaching 64/1 in 13 overs, stretching their lead to 244. Yashasvi Jaiswal, in the process, became the joint-fastest Indian to 2000 Test runs (40 innings), joining legends like Rahul Dravid and Virender Sehwag.
Jaiswal’s brisk 28 off 22 balls, including six boundaries, was cut short by Josh Tongue, who trapped him LBW. The decision led to a minor controversy when England questioned Jaiswal’s delayed review, but the DRS upheld the on-field call.
At stumps, KL Rahul remained unbeaten on 28, guiding India to a strong position despite the rain threat looming over the final two days.
Day 3 Highlights: Key Records and Turning Points
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Mohammed Siraj’s 6/70: Fourth Test five-wicket haul and best figures in recent tours.
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Jamie Smith’s 184:* Highest score by an English wicketkeeper against India in Tests.
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303-run partnership: Record sixth-wicket stand for England against India.
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India’s lead: 244 runs with nine wickets in hand.
What Lies Ahead?
With a commanding position in hand, India will look to accelerate on Day 4, weather permitting, and aim to set England a challenging target. The rain forecast, however, threatens to spoil a potential Indian comeback in the series.
For India, the bowling form of Siraj and Akash Deep offers encouragement, while the top order will aim to capitalize on the platform and dictate terms. England, on the other hand, will depend heavily on early breakthroughs and hope for assistance from the elements.
India’s strategic bowling, especially Siraj’s incisive spell and Akash Deep’s critical breakthroughs, ensured they maintained the upper hand despite the Brook-Smith resistance. With a healthy lead and nine wickets still in hand, the visitors are in the driver’s seat — if the rain doesn’t intervene, a thrilling final two days await.
