- Siraj’s early strikes rattled England’s top order at 84/5.
- Jamie Smith hit a rapid-fire 150, Brook neared his century by lunch.
- England trail India by 333 runs after a strong counterattack.
India entered Day 3 with dominance firmly in their grip, and Mohammed Siraj quickly stamped that authority by removing Joe Root and Ben Stokes in the same over.
But what followed was an emphatic reply. Jamie Smith showcased remarkable composure and aggression to register a 150-plus score off just over 100 balls, while Harry Brook displayed grit to inch toward his century.
Smith-Brook Stand Defies India After Siraj’s Early Storm on Day 3
Jamie Smith’s innings was a display of modern Test batting, mixing flair with calculated risk. His strokeplay against both pace and spin unsettled the Indian bowlers, particularly neutralizing Jadeja’s threat on a dry Edgbaston pitch. His century, one of the fastest in recent memory for England, came in just 80 balls.
Harry Brook, on the other hand, played a more measured role. Known for his aggressive style, Brook adjusted to the situation, rotating strike efficiently and frustrating India’s bowlers with his patience. His steady accumulation was vital in stabilizing England after their top-order collapse.
India’s bowlers began to struggle with the aging ball and fading bounce as the session progressed. Despite trying short-ball ploys and tight off-stump lines, the breakthroughs didn’t come. Siraj’s early fire dimmed as Smith and Brook dominated the middle overs, putting the Indian fielders under pressure.
England still trails significantly, but the partnership has rekindled hopes of a comeback. With depth in their lower order and batting conditions easing slightly, they will look to stretch this stand beyond 300 and reduce India’s massive first-innings lead.
India began Day 3 with fire, but England’s middle-order resilience has rewritten the narrative. The battle at Edgbaston is far from over.
“It’s not whether you get knocked down; it’s whether you get up.” – Vince Lombardi
This quote mirrors England’s fightback after being five wickets down early in the day.
