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Day 3 of the 2nd Test at Edgbaston delivered high drama and a spectacular turnaround as England bounced back from early trouble, only for India to end the day firmly in charge once again.
England’s Incredible Recovery: Smith and Brook Lead the Way
England began the day in serious trouble at 84 for 5, having lost key wickets including Joe Root and Ben Stokes. But debutant wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and Harry Brook staged a stunning counterattack. The duo added a mammoth 303 runs for the sixth wicket, swinging momentum dramatically in England’s favor.
Jamie Smith remained unbeaten on a brilliant 184, registering the highest score by an England wicketkeeper in Test history. Harry Brook, ever reliable in the middle order, contributed a fluent 158—his ninth Test century.
By the time the partnership was broken, England had crossed 370, and eventually posted 407 all out, trailing India by 180 runs.
India’s Bowling Performance: Siraj and Akash Deep Dominate
Despite the massive sixth-wicket partnership, India’s bowlers had their say. Mohammed Siraj led the attack with career-best figures of 6 for 70, delivering precise spells and breaking through the lower order. Akash Deep, who had made early inroads on Day 2, took 4 for 88 and was responsible for dismissing Brook at a crucial moment.
Six England batsmen were dismissed for ducks—setting an unwanted record for the hosts and highlighting the collapse that followed after the sixth-wicket stand.
India’s Second Innings: Solid Start to Extend Lead
India began their second innings late in the day with confidence and composure. The opening pair put up a steady start, guiding the team to 64 for 1 at stumps, extending their lead to 244 runs. KL Rahul and Karun Nair were at the crease at close of play. The only wicket to fall was Yashasvi Jaiswal, who got a quick start but couldn’t convert it into a big score.
With two full days remaining, India find themselves in a dominant position, having both a significant lead and a strong pace attack that already caused England major issues earlier in the match.
Day 3 Summary: Who’s on Top?
England’s fightback was remarkable, turning a dire situation into a respectable first-innings total. However, the collapse after the sixth-wicket stand allowed India to regain control. Siraj’s fiery spells and Deep’s timely strikes prevented England from taking the lead.
India now holds a commanding 244-run lead with nine wickets in hand and two full days to go. With favorable conditions and a rested bowling attack, India will look to either set an imposing target or declare early on Day 4 to push for a win.
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