How Did Jaiswal and Rahul Propel India’s Lead Past 200 After Siraj’s Impressive 6-70 Against England?

Birmingham, July 4 (NationPress) KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal provided India with a solid foundation in their second innings, pushing their lead beyond 200 runs following Mohammed Siraj's exceptional bowling performance of 6-70 that restricted England to 407 on Day Three of the second Test in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Edgbaston on Friday.

At the end of the day, India stood at 64/1 after 13 overs in their second innings, enjoying a 244-run advantage over England. Although Jaiswal was dismissed for 28, Rahul remained unbeaten on the same score, while Karun Nair supported him with 7 not out, solidifying India’s position in the match.

India's second innings commenced with Rahul elegantly driving Brydon Carse for a boundary, as Jaiswal capitalized on short deliveries from both Carse and Chris Woakes to hit several boundaries. After Rahul scored four off Woakes, Jaiswal followed up with three more boundaries from Carse.

Rahul continued his impressive form, executing exquisite punches, drives, and cuts for three boundaries off Woakes, while Jaiswal flicked Josh Tongue for another four, before the pacer claimed his wicket with a delivery that nipped back, sending him back for 28. Rahul and Karun Nair concluded a successful day for India with a boundary each.

Earlier, on a batting-friendly pitch, Siraj and Akash Deep, who claimed 4-88, accounted for all ten wickets, allowing India to build a substantial 180-run lead. England, who found themselves at 84/5 early in the morning session, were salvaged by a remarkable 303-run partnership between Harry Brook and Jamie Smith.

Brook dazzled with a score of 158 off 234 balls, featuring 17 fours and a six, while Smith showcased his skills but ended up stranded on 184 not out - the highest Test score by any England wicketkeeper, embellished with 21 fours and a six.

However, following Brook's dismissal, England collapsed from 387/5 to 407 all out, as India swiftly claimed the remaining five wickets with the second new ball in just 7.2 overs. Notably, England recorded six ducks in their first innings, marking the first occurrence of such a feat in a 400-plus innings in Test history.

The final session began with Brook striking three boundaries off Ravindra Jadeja, the second of which marked his fifth 150-plus score. Following the introduction of the second new ball, Akash broke the 393-run stand by delivering a length ball that seamed back in, catching Brook’s off-stump for a brilliant 158 off 234.

India continued to take wickets as Chris Woakes fell to a drive temptation from Akash, edging to first slip, while Siraj trapped Brydon Carse lbw with a length ball. Siraj completed his fourth five-wicket haul in Tests, marking his first five-wicket innings in England, by dismissing Josh Tongue lbw for a duck with a full, straight delivery.

After delivering a fierce bouncer that struck Shoaib Bashir on the helmet, Siraj had him out with a nip-backer that crashed into the stumps, culminating in an impressive six-wicket haul, celebrated with a hug from Jasprit Bumrah as he left the field.

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.