Sports

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Day 3 of the second Test at Edgbaston unfolded as a cricketing saga of twin ebbs and flows—shifting from England’s resurgence under Bazball to India’s potent reply, spearheaded by Mohammed Siraj.

England began in dire straits—84/5—under the relentless Indian seamers. Siraj was the architect of the collapse, striking twice in as many balls to remove Joe Root and Ben Stokes. Root fell for 22, edging a late-coming delivery, and Stokes was trapped for a golden duck by a vicious short ball that caught him flat-footed. In a whirlwind new-ball burst, Siraj had done the early damage needed to strangle the hosts.

From the brink of disaster, England launched a spectacular counter-intrusion. Harry Brook and Jamie Smith stitched together a breathtaking 303-run stand for the sixth wicket, effectively blotting out the earlier devastation . Brook’s measured 158 came from 234 balls, while Smith, playing with audacity, raced to 184* off just 207 deliveries. Smith’s innings was historic—the highest by an English wicketkeeper in Tests, surpassing Alec Stewart’s 173* from 1997 .Their punishing yet calculated strokeplay gave England a semblance of dominance despite the rocky start.

After the partnership was finally broken, India reintroduced Siraj with the second new ball. He demolished England’s lower order—Carse, Tongue, and Bashir—claiming three more wickets in quick succession .His final figures read an incisive 6/70, while Akash Deep added four wickets, finishing at 4/88. England were all out for 407, leaving India with a commanding first-innings lead of 180 .

Siraj’s emotional journey—from celebration-filled sprints and kiss-blows to moments of frustration as Brook and Smith batted on—was vividly captured throughout the day. In Jasprit Bumrah’s absence, Siraj stepped into the spotlight and led India’s pace charge decisively.

Undaunted by the huge partnership, India’s openers made a confident start to their second innings. Yashasvi Jaiswal compiled a useful 28 before being adjudged lbw under DRS conundrum with England contesting timing. KL Rahul and Karun Nair then anchored the innings; Rahul’s unbeaten 28 steered India to 64/1 at stumps, extending the lead to 244 runs .

Day 3 epitomized Test cricket’s narrative complexity: a mammoth recovery by England punctuated by Indian resolve. England’s Brook and Smith embodied counterattack cricket, but Siraj and Deep ensured that the pendulum swung back in India’s favor. As India look ahead to Day 4, they hold the upper hand, and England face the monumental task of either saving the game or limping to defeat.

Day 3 at Edgbaston was a testament to fluctuating fortunes—where Siraj’s brilliance under pressure ensured India seized control after England’s fleeting revival. As the Test enters its penultimate phase, momentum firmly favors India.