Day three of the second Test between England and India at Edgbaston was a rollercoaster, showcasing both batting brilliance and a familiar fragility in the English lineup. India, seeking to level the series after their defeat at Headingley, remained in control at the close of play, despite a stunning fightback from Jamie Smith and Harry Brook.
India had set a formidable first-innings total of 587, built around captain Shubman Gill's magnificent 269. England's response began shakily, and they resumed on Day 3 at 77 for 3. The morning session began disastrously for the hosts, as Mohammed Siraj removed Joe Root and Ben Stokes in consecutive deliveries. Root was caught down the leg side for 22, and Stokes edged a rising delivery to the keeper for a golden duck, the first of his 113-Test career. This double blow left England reeling at 84 for 5, still trailing by over 500 runs.
Enter Jamie Smith and Harry Brook, who together staged a remarkable counter-attack. Smith, facing the hat-trick ball, confidently drove Siraj for four, signaling his aggressive intent. He then launched a blistering assault, reaching his century in just 80 balls. This was the joint third-fastest Test century by an England batter and the fastest by an England wicket-keeper. Smith's innings was not only rapid but also historic; he became the first England batter since 1877 to score over 100 runs in a session before lunch without being unbeaten overnight. He took a liking to Prasidh Krishna, smashing him for 22 runs in a single over.
Brook, having missed a century in the first test, played a more measured innings, providing the perfect foil to Smith's aggression. Together, they added 303 runs for the sixth wicket, the second-highest sixth-wicket partnership for England in Tests. This incredible partnership rescued England from the brink and shifted the momentum. During the partnership, Smith also became the first English wicketkeeper in almost five years to reach 150.
However, India fought back after taking the new ball. Akash Deep bowled Brook with a sharp delivery for 158, ending their magnificent stand. With Brook's dismissal, England's lower order collapsed, losing their last five wickets for a mere 20 runs. Siraj completed a six-wicket haul, finishing with 6 for 70. Smith remained unbeaten on a record-breaking 184, the highest score by an England wicketkeeper in Tests, surpassing Alec Stewart's previous best. Despite the herculean effort from Smith and Brook, England were bowled out for 407, still trailing India by 180 runs.
India then navigated a tricky 13-over phase before the close of play, reaching 64 for 1. Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed for 28, trapped lbw by Josh Tongue. At stumps, India extended their lead to 244 runs.
Day 3 showcased a day of fluctuating fortunes. Jamie Smith and Harry Brook's centuries were in vain as India clawed their way back into the driver's seat, leaving them well-positioned to push for victory on Day 4.
