England fought back brilliantly on Day 3 of the second Test at Edgbaston, thanks to sublime centuries from Jamie Smith and Harry Brook, but India managed to remain ahead with a lead of 244 runs by stumps. Despite England avoiding the follow-on with their 407-run first innings, India replied with 64/1 in just 13 overs of play possible of their second innings.
India started the day on a high with Mohammed Siraj removing both Joe Root and Ben Stokes in consecutive balls in the second over of the morning, with the latter falling for a golden duck, his first in Tests. England, who were still trailing by 503 at the point, were on the brink of a collapse.
However, wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith and Harry Brook stabilized the wobbling ship. Smith walked in to face the hat-trick ball and smashed it down the ground for four. Smith reached his century off just 80 deliveries, the joint-third fastest by an Englishman. Brook, on the other end, notched up his ninth Test hundred off 137 balls. The duo added 303 runs for the sixth wicket, a record stand for England against India at that position. Post tea, England looked to get more runs, but the second new ball brought the visitors back in the game.
Akash Deep, who had already dismissed Duckett and Pope earlier, ended Brook’s innings on 158. Siraj ran through the tail, finishing with a career-best 6 for 70. England lost their last five wickets for just 20 runs in 7.2 overs. Notably, Smith remained unbeaten on 184*, the highest score by an English wicketkeeper in Tests against India, and the third-best overall.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul gave India a good start. Jaiswal hammered 28 off 22 before falling lbw to Josh Tongue. KL Rahul (28*) and Karun Nair (7*) ensured no further wickets fell before the close of play as India ended the day on 64/1, and with a 244-run lead.
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