England’s hopes of a comeback faded on a turbulent day three of the second Test at Edgbaston, despite spirited centuries from Harry Brook and Jamie Smith. India remained firmly in command, building a substantial lead that left England with an uphill battle.
Resuming on 3-77 in reply to India’s imposing first-innings total of 587, England faced an early setback as Joe Root and Ben Stokes fell in quick succession to Mohammed Siraj in the second over. However, Brook and Smith steadied the innings with a remarkable partnership, adding 303 runs Brook scoring 158 and Smith posting a career-best 184 not out.
After India took the second new ball, they struck decisively, claiming England’s final five wickets for just 20 runs in 44 balls. Brook and Smith accounted for 342 of those runs, helping India dismiss England for 407 and take a lead of 180 runs going into the second innings.
The day was marked by instability for England, with a total of six ducks and Siraj’s impressive figures of 6-70. Under overcast skies, India reached the close of play on 1-64, losing only Yashasvi Jaiswal for 28, and will start day four with a 244-run lead, eyeing a series-tying victory.
Despite being in a difficult position, England remained optimistic. “I still think we can win,” declared a resilient England team. When Root and Stokes fell Root for 22 caught behind off a leg-side nick, and Stokes to a rising seaming delivery caught by Pant their side was in a deep hole at 5-84, trailing by over 500 runs.
But Smith and Brook showed resilience, playing with fearless intent as they counterattacked India’s bowlers, giving England a glimmer of hope heading into the final days of the match.
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