India Dominate After Smith and Brook’s Heroics

BIRMINGHAM: On the third day of the second Test at Edgbaston, Mohammed Siraj’s remarkable six-wicket haul propelled India into a dominant position, overshadowing a magnificent 303-run partnership between Jamie Smith and Harry Brook, which saved England from a follow-on.

Early Wickets by Siraj

Siraj made an immediate impact in the morning, shaking England’s batting lineup with two wickets in quick succession. He dismissed Joe Root, who edged a leg-side delivery to Rishabh Pant, and then followed up with a sharp bouncer that Ben Stokes deflected to the keeper.

England in Trouble

These early dismissals left the home side reeling at 84/5, facing a potential collapse.

Smith and Brook Counter-Attack

However, Jamie Smith and Harry Brook responded with an impressive counter-offensive. Smith, showing great composure, responded to the hat-trick ball with a boundary and continued to build momentum.

  • The pair forged a strong 303-run partnership for the sixth wicket.
  • This is the highest partnership for England against India for the sixth wicket or lower.

Brook played aggressively against pace, reaching his half-century off 72 balls. Smith launched a brutal assault against Prasidh Krishna, scoring four fours and a six in a single over. He quickly achieved his first Test century in just 80 balls, matching Brook’s pace as England scored 172 runs in the morning session.

Brook and Smith Continue to Dominate

During the afternoon, Brook secured his ninth Test century, and Smith benefited from a dropped catch by Pant to prolong his innings. They surpassed the 200-run and then the 300-run milestones, ensuring India remained wicketless throughout the second session. Smith reached 150 off 144 balls, making it the fifth-fastest for England, while Brook’s 150 took 222 balls.

India Fight Back

India finally found a breakthrough when Akash Deep removed Brook with a sharp delivery. This wicket led to a lower-order collapse. Chris Woakes edged to slip, Brydon Carse was dismissed LBW after a review, and Siraj returned to dismiss the remaining batsmen.

Smith ended the innings unbeaten with a career-best 184, as England were all out for 407, still trailing by 180. Siraj recorded figures of 6 for 80, marking his fourth Test five-for. England’s innings included six ducks, equalling an unwanted record in Test history.

India’s Second Innings

In their second innings, India’s openers started aggressively. Yashasvi Jaiswal reached 2000 Test runs in his 40th innings, equalling the record for India alongside Rahul Dravid and Virender Sehwag. He scored 28 off 22 balls before being dismissed LBW by Josh Tongue after a controversial DRS decision.

India closed the day at 64/1, extending their overall lead to 244 runs. With two days remaining and a forecast of rain, India will aim to score runs quickly and take early wickets to secure a series-equalling victory.