Day 3 at Edgbaston was pure Test cricket drama. India started strong, leading by 510 runs. England fought back with Harry Brook and Jamie Smith. Their batting partnership stole the show.
Mohammed Siraj took six wickets for India. Jamie Smith smashed an unbeaten 184. Harry Brook scored a brilliant 158. India ended at 64/1, leading by 244 runs.
This cricket match was thrilling for cricket fans. According to ESPN Cricinfo, it was emotional and mesmerizing. Day 4 promises more action. Let’s break down nine key moments.
Siraj’s Fiery Start Shocks England
Mohammed Siraj struck early on Day 3. He dismissed Joe Root and Ben Stokes in consecutive balls. His spell left England at 84/5. Siraj’s six wickets totaled 6/70.
His bowling performance was outstanding. As per BBC Sport, Siraj’s discipline was key. He attacked the stumps consistently. India gained a 180-run lead.
Siraj’s first overseas five-wicket haul was special. He bowled with aggressive bowling intent. England’s top order crumbled quickly. This set the tone for India.
Brook and Smith’s Epic Partnership
Harry Brook and Jamie Smith fought back hard. Their 303-run batting partnership was England’s second-highest for the sixth wicket. Brook scored 158 off 234 balls. Smith smashed 184 not out, team spirit was high, like the England Women vs India Women.
They started at 84/5, trailing by 503. According to Cricbuzz, Smith’s century came in 80 balls. Their counterattack stunned India’s bowlers. England reached 355/5 by tea.
This cricket highlight showed Bazball’s spirit. Brook’s 16 fours were brilliant. Smith hit 19 fours and three sixes. Their stand gave England hope.
Jamie Smith’s Record-Breaking Century
Jamie Smith played a stunning innings. His 184 not out set a record. It’s the highest score by an England wicketkeeper. He faced 227 balls with confidence.
Smith’s century came in just 80 balls. As per ESPN Cricinfo, it’s the joint-third fastest for England. He smashed Siraj’s hat-trick ball for four. His aggressive batting thrilled cricket fans.
Smith’s knock included 19 fours. He stayed unbeaten at stumps. This Test cricket gem lifted England, like a godfather. India struggled to stop him.
Akash Deep’s New-Ball Magic
Akash Deep turned the game for India. He took the second new ball. Deep dismissed Harry Brook for 158. He also got Chris Woakes out.
His figures were 4/88, says Aaj Tak Sports. Deep’s seam bowling was precise. He broke the 303-run stand. England’s collapse started with his spell.
Deep’s wickets came at crucial times. He bowled with bowling aggression like New Zealand. India regained control quickly. Deep’s role was vital for India.
England’s Late Collapse Hurts
England’s innings ended at 407 all out. They lost five wickets for 20 runs. Akash Deep and Siraj triggered the collapse. It happened in just 7.2 overs, like in the WTC Final by South Africa.
According to BBC Sport, England had six ducks. This is a Test cricket record for 400-plus scores. Siraj’s 6/70 finished the job. England trailed by 180 runs.
The collapse shifted momentum to India. England’s lower order struggled. Cricket analysis shows India’s bowlers dominated. England’s hopes faded fast.
India’s Solid Second Innings Start
India began their second innings strongly. KL Rahul scored 28 not out. Yashasvi Jaiswal made 28 before getting out. India reached 64/1 in 13 overs.
Their batting performance was confident. As per Cricbuzz, Rahul drove beautifully. Jaiswal punished short balls. India’s lead grew to 244 runs.
Josh Tongue got Jaiswal lbw. India lost one review early. Still, they held the edge. Cricket fans expect more runs, like they did against Australian team.
Pitch Conditions Slow Down
The Edgbaston pitch slowed on Day 3. Siraj noted it in his BBC Sport interview. Bowlers needed patience to succeed. The pitch favored batsmen early.
Test cricket saw less seam movement. According to ESPN Cricinfo, it’s the second-easiest Day 1 pitch since 2006. Smith and Brook cashed in. India’s bowlers stayed disciplined, like the Indian team in ICC Matches.
The pitch’s slowness affects Day 4. Bowlers must bowl tight lines. Cricket analysis predicts tough batting. India’s lead looks strong.
India’s Batting to Extend Lead
India will likely push their lead on Day 4. KL Rahul and Karun Nair are set to bat. They could aim for a 400-run lead. Shubman Gill’s 269 shows their batting strength.
India’s cricket strategy will be aggressive. As per Aaj Tak Sports, Rahul’s form is key. Nair can anchor the innings. India wants an unassailable lead.
Rain is forecast for Day 4. India may bat cautiously early. Their Test match plan is clear. They’ll aim to bat England out.
England’s Bowlers Need Early Wickets
England must strike early on Day 4. Brydon Carse and Josh Tongue will lead the attack. They need to dismiss Rahul and Nair. India’s lead is already 244.
According to Cricbuzz, Carse struggled with a foot injury. Tongue took Jaiswal’s wicket. England’s bowling attack needs discipline. Early breakthroughs are crucial.
Cloudy conditions may help swing. England’s cricket strategy relies on the new ball. Without wickets, India could dominate. Cricket fans await a fightback, like the one India showed in CT 2025.
Conclusion
Day 3 at Edgbaston was a Test cricket rollercoaster. Mohammed Siraj’s 6/70 rocked England early. Harry Brook and Jamie Smith fought back with a 303-run stand. India’s 244-run lead keeps them ahead.
KL Rahul and Karun Nair will aim to extend it. England needs early wickets to stay alive. The pitch is slowing, per ESPN Cricinfo. Rain may play a role.
Cricket fans are in for a treat. India’s batting strength looks strong. England’s Bazball spirit will be tested. Day 4 could decide the Test match.
