How did India maintain their dominance despite Smith and Brook's resilience?

Birmingham, July 4 (NationPress) Jamie Smith and Harry Brook orchestrated a remarkable comeback for England with a monumental 303-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Nevertheless, India maintained a robust position, extending their lead beyond 200 runs at the close of play on day three of the second Test in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Edgbaston on Friday.

Mohammed Siraj showcased his brilliance, starting the day by dismissing Joe Root and Ben Stokes consecutively, and emerged as a standout performer for India, achieving an exceptional 6-70 from 19.3 overs. This marked Siraj's fourth five-wicket haul in Test cricket, his first in England, while Akash Deep contributed with 4-88, securing a substantial 180-run lead for India.

After being reduced to 84/5 early in the morning session, England found solace in a splendid display from Brook, who scored 158 off 234 balls, featuring 17 boundaries and a six. Smith also shone brightly, finishing unbeaten on 184, the highest score by an England wicketkeeper in Test history, adorned with 21 fours and a six.

Following Brook's dismissal, England collapsed from 387/5 to 407 all out, as the second new ball proved pivotal for India in claiming the final five wickets in just 7.2 overs. Notably, England recorded six ducks in their first innings, a first for any team with a score exceeding 400 in Test cricket.

KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal provided India with a solid start in their second innings, reaching 64/1 in 13 overs, extending their lead to 244 runs at stumps. Although Jaiswal scored 28, Rahul remained not out on the same score, with Karun Nair supporting him on seven not out, solidifying India's position in the match.

Siraj began the morning session with a double strike, as Root edged one to Rishabh Pant, and Stokes followed suit, gloving a short ball to Pant, marking a golden duck for the England captain and leaving his team in disarray.

However, runs began to flow for England as Brook exhibited elegance in his drives and flicks off Siraj, while Smith dominated with boundaries against Akash. Brook achieved his second fifty of the series, while Smith effortlessly dealt with India's short-ball tactics.

Smith continued his onslaught, scoring runs freely off Prasidh Krishna and others, eventually reaching his sensational second century in the format, mesmerizing the crowd at Edgbaston.

The second session saw Brook marking his ninth Test century, dedicating his celebration to his late grandmother, Pauline. Smith, undeterred, continued to score freely, reaching 150 for the first time in Tests, while the partnership flourished.

As the final session commenced, Brook amassed three boundaries off Ravindra Jadeja, marking his fifth 150-plus score. However, the introduction of the second new ball proved crucial, with Akash breaking the 303-run partnership by dismissing Brook for 158.

India then seized further breakthroughs, with Siraj completing his fourth five-wicket haul and achieving his maiden fifer in England, culminating in an outstanding performance with six wickets.

India’s second innings commenced with Rahul and Jaiswal striking boundaries before Jaiswal fell to Josh Tongue for 28. Rahul continued to impress, ending a strong day for India.

Brief scores:

India 587 and 64/1 in 13 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 28, KL Rahul 28 not out; Josh Tongue 1-12) lead England 407 all out in 89.3 overs (Jamie Smith 184 not out, Harry Brook 158; Mohammed Siraj 6-70, Akash Deep 4-88) by 244 runs