Day 3 of the Edgbaston Test between England and India was a rollercoaster, marked by dramatic swings in momentum and individual brilliance. After India posted a formidable 587 in their first innings, England found themselves in dire straits early on Day 3, crumbling to 84-5. However, a stunning counter-attacking partnership between Harry Brook and Jamie Smith rescued the innings and kept England alive in the match.

England's troubles began in the morning session when Mohammed Siraj removed Joe Root and Ben Stokes in successive deliveries. Root was caught down the leg side, and Stokes bagged a golden duck, undone by a rising delivery. At 84-5, England were in danger of a complete collapse, staring at a massive first-innings deficit.

Enter Harry Brook and Jamie Smith. Smith, facing the hat-trick ball, responded with a boundary and initiated a blistering counter-attack. Together, Brook and Smith forged a remarkable 303-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Their aggressive and positive approach shifted the pressure back onto the Indian bowlers. Smith, in particular, was severe on Prasidh Krishna, taking 22 runs in one over.

Smith reached his century in just 80 balls, equaling Brook's own record for the third-fastest Test century by an English batter. Brook reached his ninth Test century, continuing his impressive form in red-ball cricket. The pair's audacious strokeplay and near-ODI pace of scoring not only rescued England from a precarious position but also threatened to take the game away from India.

During the partnership, Smith also achieved a significant milestone, becoming the highest-scoring wicketkeeper in England's Test history. He surpassed Alec Stewart's previous record of 173, set in 1997. Smith's innings was not just about scoring runs; it was a display of "heart, fire and pure class". He remained unbeaten on 184 off 207 balls, including 21 fours and 4 sixes.

Brook eventually fell for 158, undone by an inswinger from Akash Deep. With the second new ball, India regained control, and England's lower order crumbled. The last five wickets fell for just 20 runs, as Mohammed Siraj completed a six-wicket haul. England were eventually bowled out for 407, conceding a 180-run lead to India.

Despite the heroics of Brook and Smith, England's innings was marred by six ducks, the most in a Test innings when a team reached 400 or more. India's second innings began steadily, reaching 64-1 at stumps, extending their lead to 244 runs.

While Brook and Smith's partnership provided a spectacular fightback, India remained in control at the end of Day 3. Smith's record-breaking innings and Brook's impressive century showcased England's resilience, but India's overall dominance with both bat and ball put them in a strong position to push for a series-leveling victory.