A Day of Extraordinary Drama
The third day of the second Test at Edgbaston delivered a breathtaking and emotional spectacle, a stirring contest that showcased the very best of the format. It was a day of wild momentum swings, featuring a devastating bowling spell, a stunning counter-attacking partnership, and a late-day collapse that ultimately left India in a commanding position. While England produced a fightback for the ages, it was India, led by the brilliant Mohammed Siraj, who ended the day with a firm grip on the match, holding a lead of 244 runs with nine second-innings wickets in hand.
Siraj's Devastating Opening Spell
The day began with immediate jeopardy for England. Siraj, bowling with pace and precision, struck with successive deliveries in his first over. He first dismissed the world-class Joe Root, caught down the leg side, and then produced a searing bouncer to remove England's captain, Ben Stokes, for a golden duck. This left England reeling at 84 for 5, staring down the barrel of a massive first-innings deficit against India's total of 587.
A Counter-Attack for the Ages
From that point of near-certain collapse, however, an extraordinary partnership blossomed. Wicketkeeper-batsman Jamie Smith and the dynamic Harry Brook launched one of the most astonishing counter-attacks in recent memory. They played with breathtaking freedom and aggression, taking the attack to the Indian bowlers. Smith, in particular, was sensational, racing to his century off just 80 balls. Brook was equally impressive, compiling a composed 158.
Together, they added 303 runs for the sixth wicket, England's second-highest stand for that position. Their partnership not only rescued England but dared them to dream of wiping out India's lead entirely. They frustrated the Indian attack for two full sessions, turning a position of despair into one of genuine hope.
The New Ball and India's Resurgence
Just as it seemed England might achieve the impossible, the second new ball proved to be their undoing. Pacer Akash Deep made the crucial breakthrough, seaming a delivery through Brook's defenses to end the magnificent partnership. That single wicket opened the floodgates. England's lower order crumbled, losing their final five wickets for just 20 runs in a dramatic late-session collapse.
Mohammed Siraj returned to clean up the tail, finishing with figures of 6 for 70—his first five-wicket haul in England. His performance was instrumental in ensuring that despite the heroic efforts of Smith, who remained unbeaten on a remarkable 184, India secured a substantial first-innings lead of 180.
India Extends its Dominance
In the final session, India's openers came out with positive intent, looking to build on their advantage. While they lost the wicket of Yashasvi Jaiswal, they quickly added 64 runs before the close of play. As the day ended, India had extended their overall lead to 244, firmly in control of the Test match. It was a day that reminded everyone of the magic of Test cricket, but one that ultimately belonged to India.
