The third day of the second Check between England and India at Edgbaston proved to be a gripping affair, full of dramatic shifts in momentum and standout particular person performances. Whereas India started the day on prime, early wickets threatened to seal England’s destiny earlier than an unbelievable fightback breathed life into the competition. Nonetheless, India’s quick bowlers struck again within the ultimate classes to make sure the guests closed the day in a dominant place as soon as once more.
Jamie Smith, Harry Brook sizzle with extraordinary batting show
England, beneath immense strain following two underwhelming days, discovered hope by way of a unprecedented counterattack led by Jamie Smith and Harry Brook. Trailing by a large margin and watching additional collapse, the duo stitched collectively a exceptional sixth-wicket partnership value 303 runs, dragging their aspect again into the competition — at the very least momentarily.
Smith was the architect of England’s comeback, reaching an unbeaten 184 in aggressive style. His first hundred got here in simply 80 balls, equaling one of many quickest centuries ever by an English batter in Check cricket. Brook, equally composed but assertive, scored 158, enjoying the proper foil to Smith because the pair pulled England from 84/5 to a preventing whole.
Mohammed Siraj dismantles England’s resistance with 6-wicket burst
Simply when England seemed to be closing in on India’s huge first-innings whole of 587, Mohammed Siraj delivered a devastating spell that turned the tide again within the guests’ favour. After putting twice in fast succession throughout the morning session by eradicating Joe Root and Ben Stokes, he returned later within the day to mop up the tail, ending with sensible figures of 6 for 70 — his finest in Check matches in England.
Siraj’s relentless traces and intelligent use of seam motion have been an excessive amount of for England’s decrease order, as the house aspect folded for 407— nonetheless trailing India by 180 runs. With England nonetheless preventing, it was Akash Deep who made the breakthrough that shattered their momentum. He dismissed Brook with a supply that nipped in sharply and rattled the stumps. Quickly after, he eliminated Chris Woakes as England’s hopes pale. Akash’s spell with the second new ball yielded 4 for 88, as England’s innings resulted in a flurry — shedding their ultimate 5 wickets for simply 20 runs.
India strengthen their benefit earlier than stumps
India’s second innings obtained off to a stable begin regardless of the lack of opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was leg-before to Josh Tongue. KL Rahul (28*) guided the group to 64/1 on the shut of play, pushing the result in 244 runs with two days left within the Check. What appeared like a day heading in England’s route was circled by India’s tempo battery. The Smith-Brook partnership supplied a glimmer of hope, however Siraj and Akashdeep ensured the guests walked off the sector in command, one step nearer to securing an important win.
Additionally READ: ENG vs IND: Followers slam Prasidh Krishna for disastrous bowling spell on Day 3 of Edgbaston Check
Right here’s how followers reacted:
The most important change I’ve observed in Siraj has been his accuracy and consistency in touchdown the ball in the fitting areas. His persistence has been rewarded with 6 wickets.
Very ably supported by Akash Deep as nicely. Properly carried out!Particular partnership between Brook and Smith who have been… pic.twitter.com/Tk8tQVfoMF
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 4, 2025
Regardless of huge partnership between Brook and Smith excellent day for India: 244 runs forward with 9 wickets in hand is robust place to press for win. Fiery Siraj star of the day. Tactic for tomorrow: Get sufficient runs in 2 classes and have 140-150 overs to bowl England out.
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) July 4, 2025
Begin of match we wud take 244 lead with each arms. Apart Brook Smith mega partnership India bundled Eng for 105.. incl six geese. So certain this match has a future…#Akashdeep, #Siraj & #Bumrah is our tempo trio for #Lords, pencilled in.
#INDvsENG #indiancricketteam #ENGvsIND pic.twitter.com/mFAAA3gU6x— Pattu (@avijit_patnaik) July 4, 2025
No workload administration
Not claimed to be fittest participant
Bowled most overs for India since 2021
At all times provides his 100% for his nation
Bowls with full dedicationSir mohommad siraj♥️🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/KeSTszbt8Y
— ᴊᴇʀꜱᴇʏ¹⁸🚩 (@KINGNATION__18) July 4, 2025
A wonderful day of the thrilling Check involves an finish 👏#ENGvIND
Scorecard 👉 https://t.co/LFAC6Z3d0v pic.twitter.com/MDYBAZlGRl— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) July 4, 2025
this harry brook and jamie smith partnership jogged my memory of sachin and azhar partnership at capetown.Stuffed with breath taking pictures and elegant batting from each of them #ENGvIND
— sach is life (@sunilguddu) July 4, 2025
Simply obtained to know that siraj has bowled 950+ overs since 2022. Insane 🔥🥵 https://t.co/eyrhZaYPuL
— ɯlse (@pitchinginline) July 4, 2025
A lone effort from Brook + Smith.
Brook – 158 (234)
Smith – 184* (207)
The Relaxation – 46 (108)
Extras – 19Six gamers gone for 0, one single determine rating, one within the 10s, one within the 20s + two within the 150+ vary. Extraordinary 🤯
407ao + nonetheless 180 behind 🥲 #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/EynWTiZAPv
— Will Comish (@WillComish) July 4, 2025
Do Bhai, Dono Tabahi !!
Brook 91*
Smith 102*#JamieSmith #HarryBrook #EngvInd pic.twitter.com/k4RdTkBFFz— Knight Rider (@iKnightRider19) July 4, 2025
🇮🇳 vs 🏴England 2nd Check, Day 3:
India lead by 244 runs after ending Day 3 at 64/1 (Jaiswal 28).
ENG all out for 407 — Brook 158, Smith 184*.
Siraj 6/70 🔥
Gill’s 269 set the tone earlier.
India in management, however ENG confirmed combat! #ENGvIND #CricketTwitter #TestCricket #Siraj— BIVASH MAITY🇮🇳 (@bivashmaity18) July 4, 2025
A unprecedented day of Check match cricket . 🏏 Brook & Smith exceptional partnership however beloved the way in which Siraj & Deep pulled it again . Sadly England bowlers couldn’t match them . It take an enormous effort to stop India deservedly profitable .
— Nick Stewart (@colonelstewart) July 4, 2025
Dukes Ball, lifeless wicket, sensible batting from #ShubhmanGill with good help from Yashasvi & Jadeja. ENG 84/5 & then beautiful knocks from Smith & Brook, a partnership of 303 runs & then Siraj & Akashdeep sharing 10 wickets to offer IND a lead of 180 runs👏👏👏 #INDvsENG
— Dr Praveen Kumar (@Fertilitydocpk) July 4, 2025
When Brook & Smith have been rewriting the script, it felt like England had grabbed the pen. However Siraj’s fireplace & Akashdeep’s coronary heart tore it proper out of their arms. That spell modified not simply the session it flipped the destiny of this Check. 🔥
— Cricket for her (@coverdrivetoher) July 4, 2025
Additionally WATCH: ENG vs IND – Jamie Smith punishes Prasidh Krishna with a 23-run over on Day 3 of Edgbaston Check