India close strong after Mohammed Siraj’s six-wicket haul

Day three of the second Test at Edgbaston delivered drama, resilience and a brutal collapse as India held control despite a remarkable England fightback. England began the day at 77 for 3, under pressure replying to India’s massive 587.

Mohammed Siraj struck immediately, dismissing Joe Root caught down the leg side for 22 and then sending back Ben Stokes for a golden duck with a lifting delivery that took the shoulder of the bat. The double blow left England reeling at 84 for 5, still hundreds of runs behind.

But Harry Brook and Jamie Smith turned the tide spectacularly. Smith, facing Siraj’s hat-trick ball, drove it for four and never looked back. He counter-attacked relentlessly, reaching his second Test century before lunch off only 80 balls, the third fastest for England.

Brook played the perfect foil, mixing caution with fluent strokeplay to reach his ninth Test hundred, atoning for his 99 in the first Test. Together they added 303 runs, turning a hopeless situation into a position of relative strength. Smith’s unbeaten 184 broke Alec Stewart’s record for the highest score by an England wicketkeeper.

However, once India took the second new ball, the script flipped. Akash Deep bowled Brook with a sharp delivery and England’s lower order crumbled under pressure. Siraj wrapped up the tail with three more quick strikes, finishing with 6 for 70 as England collapsed to 407 all out. Six English batters, including Duckett, Pope, Stokes, Carse, Tongue and Bashir, recorded ducks, highlighting their dependence on the Brook-Smith stand.

Batting again under overcast skies, India lost Yashasvi Jaiswal to a lbw decision by Josh Tongue after a DRS drama but otherwise looked steady. Lokesh Rahul remained solid on 28 not out with Karun Nair for company. At stumps, India were 64 for 1 with a healthy advantage and well-placed to push for a series-levelling win.

The day showcased England’s fighting spirit through Brook and Smith but also exposed the brittleness of their batting depth. India’s pace attack, spearheaded by Siraj and supported by Akash Deep, held their nerve when it mattered. As Day 4 looms, India look set to dictate terms and aim for a commanding victory at Edgbaston. (Times of India)