Edgbaston, July 4: Jamie Smith and Harry Brook staged a spectacular rescue act for England on Day 3 of the second Test against India, but the visitors retained a strong grip on the match with a healthy lead heading into Day 4.
Resuming at a shaky 77/3, England’s top order crumbled further in the morning as Mohammed Siraj dismissed Joe Root and Ben Stokes in quick succession, leaving the hosts reeling at 84/5.
From there, wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith and Harry Brook transformed the innings with an extraordinary 303-run stand for the sixth wicket. Smith, playing only his sixth Test, smashed a career-best unbeaten 184, becoming the highest-scoring England wicketkeeper in Test history. Brook added a fluent 158 not out, marking his ninth Test century, as England crossed 400 and kept the follow-on at bay.
Despite their heroics, England’s lower order collapsed, losing five wickets for just 20 runs. Siraj finished with impressive figures of 6/70, while Akash Deep claimed 4/88 as England were bowled out for 407, trailing India by 180 runs.
India began their second innings with caution. Yashasvi Jaiswal fell for 28, but KL Rahul and Karun Nair steered India safely to 64/1 at stumps. The visitors now lead by 244 runs, well-placed to dictate terms on Day 4.
England face an uphill task to claw back into the contest, with India firmly in control and eyeing a potential series win.
