In the final hour, England managed to apply some brakes through disciplined spells from Brydon Carse and Josh Tongue, who strung together consecutive maiden overs to slightly stem India’s momentum. Nonetheless, India steadily extended their advantage, ensuring they hold a commanding cushion heading into Day 4
KL Rahul (Pic: AFP)
India closed out Day 3 of the gripping second Test at Edgbaston in a position of strength, reaching 64 for 1 at stumps and stretching their overall lead to 244 runs. With two days still to play, the visitors find themselves well placed to dictate terms against England in Birmingham.
In the final hour, England managed to apply some brakes through disciplined spells from Brydon Carse and Josh Tongue, who strung together consecutive maiden overs to slightly stem India’s momentum. Nonetheless, India steadily extended their advantage, ensuring they hold a commanding cushion heading into Day 4.
A minor controversy punctuated the closing exchanges. In the 7.4th over, Yashasvi Jaiswal was trapped plumb in front, struck on the pads by a delivery that jagged back in sharply. The on-field umpire had no hesitation raising the finger in response to England’s loud appeal.
Jaiswal opted for a review but hesitated just long enough to trigger a brief dispute. England captain Ben Stokes pointed out that the batter had signaled for the DRS after the 15-second window had expired. However, it ultimately proved academic, as ball-tracking confirmed the delivery would have crashed into leg stump, upholding the original decision and costing India a review.
Earlier in the day, India had solidified their grip on the contest thanks to a superb collective bowling effort. Mohammed Siraj led the charge with a hostile spell that yielded six wickets for 70 runs, ably supported by Akash Deep, who picked up a crucial four-for. Their combined efforts dismissed England for 407, handing India a valuable first-innings lead of 180.
Siraj made pivotal breakthroughs in the morning, striking with lethal precision. He first accounted for Joe Root, who nicked off for 22, before delivering a vicious short ball that sent Ben Stokes packing for a golden duck. At that stage, England were reeling at 84 for 5, facing the grim prospect of a follow-on.
But Harry Brook and Jamie Smith turned the match on its head with a breathtaking partnership. Showing composure beyond their years, they counterattacked with remarkable flair, compiling a monumental 303-run stand for the sixth wicket, England’s highest ever against India for that wicket. Brook played with exquisite timing and poise to notch up 158, while Smith stood tall on an unbeaten 184, repelling everything the Indian attack could muster.
Although England’s middle order resistance delayed India’s charge, the visitors finished the day firmly in the driver’s seat. With a 244-run lead already secured and nine wickets in hand, Gill-led India will aim to bat England entirely out of the contest on Day 4 and set the stage for a potential series-leveling victory.
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