What happened on Day 3 of England vs India, 2nd Test? All you need to know

Day three of the ongoing Edgbaston Test began with England hoping for a steady start. Joe Root and Harry Brook, the two set batters, resumed their innings for the home side. However, India struck early thanks to Mohammed Siraj, who removed both Root and Ben Stokes in consecutive deliveries. 

Advertisment

Root was dismissed first, followed by the England skipper falling for a golden duck. England were suddenly reduced to 84/5, and India took full control of the game.

Just when England were struggling and facing the threat of a massive first-innings deficit — possibly even a follow-on — wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith turned the game around. He played one of the finest counter-attacking knocks in recent Test history.

Smith and Brook put together a huge 303-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Brook reached his century off 137 balls, while Smith smashed the joint-third fastest Test hundred for England, reaching the milestone in just 80 balls.

Advertisment

Both batters looked on course for double centuries, but Brook fell for 158 after being bowled by Akash Deep in the 83rd over. That breakthrough came soon after India took the second new ball, a decision that paid off quickly.

After Brook's dismissal, India regained momentum. Akash Deep and Siraj shared the remaining wickets as England collapsed.

England were bowled out for 407 in 89.3 overs, with Smith falling short of a double century, remained unbeaten on 184 off 207. In the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, Siraj led the bowling attack brilliantly. He took 6 wickets for 70 runs in 19.3 overs. Akash Deep also impressed, finishing with 4/88 in 20 overs.

Advertisment

India has started their second innings strong

With a first-innings lead of 180 runs, India began their second innings confidently. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul gave a fast start, scoring 51 runs in just 7.4 overs. Jaiswal looked aggressive, making 28 off 22 balls before getting out.

Karun Nair came in at number three and stayed unbeaten alongside Rahul by stumps. India finished Day 3 at 64/1, leading by 244 runs with nine wickets in hand. Rahul and Nair will resume batting on Day 4, with India in a strong position. They will look to add as many runs as possible to set up a tough fourth-innings target for England.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky247 India and download the Sky247 app to start betting today!