Author: Akshay Published Date: 5 July 2025
Edgbaston Day 3: Smith-Brook Heroics Fade as Siraj Fires India Ahead
A day of dramatic swings saw England’s record 303-run partnership between Jamie Smith and Harry Brook nearly rewrite the script, before Mohammed Siraj’s six-wicket haul restored India’s commanding position in this thrilling Test.
🏏 The Day’s Dramatic Arc
- England’s Fightback: From 84/5 to 407 all out, fueled by Smith’s 184* (highest Test score by an England wicketkeeper) and Brook’s 158
- India’s Counterpunch: Siraj (6/70) and Akash Deep (4/88) triggered a late collapse, claiming 5 wickets for 17 runs
- Stumps: India 64/1 in 2nd innings, leading by 244 – firmly in control
🌟 Star Performances
Jamie Smith’s Coming-of-Age Knock
- Maiden Test century ballooned into a breathtaking 184* off 207 balls
- Broke Alec Stewart’s record for highest score by England wicketkeeper
- “Played with the freedom of a nets session,” noted The Guardian
Harry Brook’s Perfect Foil
- 9th Test century (158) in just 44 innings
- Combined with Smith for England’s 2nd highest 6th-wicket stand ever (303)
Mohammed Siraj’s Masterclass
- 6/70 including three ducks in England’s tail
- Critical breakthrough: Ended Smith-Brook partnership with new ball
📊 Match Situation
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| India 1st innings | 587 all out |
| England 1st innings | 407 all out (trail by 180) |
| India 2nd innings | 64/1 (lead by 244) |
| Key Stat | 6 England batsmen made ducks |
🔍 Tactical Battles
✅ England’s Bazball 2.0: Smith-Brook showed controlled aggression – 303 runs at 4.8 RPO without reckless shots
✅ India’s New Ball Gambit: Took second new ball immediately at 80 overs, reaping 4 quick wickets
❌ England’s Tail Collapse: Last 5 wickets fell for 17 runs in 5.3 overs
🎙️ Voices from the Ground
“Pressure? What pressure? Smith sent the ball whistling to all parts in an absurd counterattack” – BBC Test Match Special
“India’s discipline with the new ball turned the match back their way” – Michael Vaughan
🔮 Day 4 Outlook
- India’s Goal: Build lead to 400+ by lunch, potentially enforce follow-on
- England’s Hope: Early wickets to expose Indian middle order
- Pitch Watch: Increasing variable bounce may help seamers; Jadeja could come into play
💬 Why This Test Captivates
“This match has everything – epic partnerships, bowling heroics, and four results still possible. Test cricket at its finest.” – Harsha Bhogle
With India needing 9 wickets and England requiring a miracle, Day 4 promises high drama at Edgbaston.