England's first innings ended on 407 on Day 3 of the second Test against India at Edgbaston, Birmingham. This total left them trailing India by a significant 180 runs. India had posted a formidable 587 in their first innings, propelled by Shubman Gill's impressive 269 runs.
The English innings featured a remarkable recovery led by Jamie Smith and Harry Brook, who forged a 303-run partnership. Smith remained stranded on an impressive 184 not out, while Brook contributed a well-made 158. However, despite their efforts, the rest of the England batting lineup struggled against the Indian bowlers. Six England batsmen were dismissed for a duck, which is the joint-most in Test history.
Mohammad Siraj was the pick of the Indian bowlers, claiming six wickets for 70 runs. Akash Deep also played a crucial role, taking four wickets for 88 runs. Siraj's performance included dismissing key players like Joe Root for 22 and England captain Ben Stokes for a duck. Deep ended Brook's innings and the 303-run partnership.
The IndianExpress.com noted the stark contrast in the England innings, highlighting the "6 ducks and a 303-run partnership". They emphasized that only five England players managed to score any runs, making the final score of 407 all the more remarkable.
Following England's all-out, India began their second innings with a lead of 180 runs. At the start of the second innings, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal opened for India.
The fall of wickets in the England innings was as follows: Brook was dismissed by Akash Deep, ending his innings at 158. Chris Woakes was then caught out, followed by Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, and Shoaib Bashir, who were all dismissed by Siraj.
Jamie Smith's innings was particularly noteworthy as he broke the record for the highest score ever by an England wicketkeeper. He was left 13 runs short of a double century. Despite Smith and Brook's resistance, the Indian bowlers, particularly Siraj and Deep, ensured that India took a significant first-innings lead.