On a thrilling third day at Edgbaston, England's young guns Jamie Smith and Harry Brook delivered a masterclass in resilience and power-hitting, breathing new life into the second Test against India. Facing a daunting first-innings deficit of 587 runs, England found themselves in dire straits early on Day 3, but a record-breaking partnership between Smith and Brook transformed the match's complexion, setting the stage for a gripping contest.
The morning session began with India’s Mohammed Siraj wreaking havoc, dismissing England captain Ben Stokes for a golden duck and Joe Root for 22 in consecutive deliveries during the second over. This double blow left England reeling at 84 for five, trailing by over 500 runs and seemingly on the brink of collapse. Yet, it was precisely at this moment that 24-year-old Jamie Smith strode to the crease and unleashed a stunning counter-attack.
Smith, England’s wicketkeeper-batter, wasted no time stamping his authority on the game. His first ball was dispatched to the long-off boundary, signaling his intent to dominate the Indian bowling attack. Alongside Harry Brook, who was already settled on 30 not out at the start of the day, Smith forged a partnership that would etch itself into the annals of Test cricket history.
The duo combined for an explosive 165 runs off just 154 balls for the sixth wicket, powering England to 249 for five at lunch, still trailing by 338 runs but with momentum firmly in their favor. Smith’s innings was a breathtaking blend of grit and aggression. He reached his century off only 80 balls, equaling Harry Brook’s record for the joint third-fastest Test hundred by an England batter. This milestone also marked the fastest century ever by an England wicketkeeper, showcasing Smith’s rare blend of skill and power.
Throughout his innings, Smith displayed remarkable control and precision, with a control percentage of 95.5 at the time of his fifty, the best in the ongoing series between India and England. His aggressive approach was epitomized by a blistering 23-run over off Prasidh Krishna, where he hammered boundaries with disdain for the short-ball barrage aimed at unsettling him. This onslaught helped England post an impressive 172 runs in the opening session alone, a testament to the pair's fearless approach.
Harry Brook, meanwhile, continued to build on his excellent form, remaining unbeaten on 91 from 127 balls at lunch. Brook’s innings was no less significant; he became the quickest ever player to reach 2,500 Test runs, achieving the landmark in just 2,382 deliveries. His composed yet assertive strokeplay complemented Smith’s flamboyance perfectly, as they repeatedly punished the Indian bowlers.
The partnership between Smith and Brook was historic on multiple fronts. It became only the third 300-plus partnership for the sixth wicket or lower for England in Tests, joining the elite company of Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow’s 399-run stand against South Africa in 2016 and Jonathan Trott and Stuart Broad’s 332-run effort versus Pakistan in 2010. Moreover, it ranked as the third-highest partnership for England against India in Tests, trailing only behind Ian Bell and Kevin Pietersen’s 350-run stand in 2011 and Graham Gooch and Allan Lamb’s 308-run partnership in 1990.
Even more impressively, this partnership is one of just three instances in Test history where a 300-plus stand for the sixth wicket or lower was forged after a team had lost five wickets for under 100 runs. The other two legendary stands were by Don Bradman and Jack Fingleton (346 runs after 97/5 at the MCG in 1937) and Brendon McCullum and BJ Watling (352 runs after 94/5 in Wellington, 2014). Smith and Brook’s stand now sits proudly alongside these iconic rear-guard efforts.
The partnership eventually came to a dramatic end when Akash Deep, using the second new ball, bowled Harry Brook for a magnificent 158 off 234 balls. Brook’s dismissal was met with a standing ovation from the Edgbaston crowd, recognizing the young batter’s pivotal role in reviving England’s innings from the ashes. Jamie Smith remained unbeaten on a magnificent 184 off 207 balls, having displayed a dazzling array of shots including 14 fours and three sixes.
Smith narrowly missed breaking Gilbert Jessop’s 123-year-old record for England’s fastest hundred, falling short by just four balls. Nonetheless, his century was a remarkable feat, especially considering he came to bat when England was struggling at 84 for five. His innings included several memorable moments, such as a six off Ravindra Jadeja and a series of boundaries that drew praise from commentators and fans alike. The Edgbaston crowd and England captain Ben Stokes gave him a rousing reception, acknowledging the significance of his innings in the context of the match.
Earlier in the match, Indian captain Shubman Gill had set the tone with a historic double century, scoring 269 runs to lead India to a colossal first innings total of 587. This innings broke multiple records, including the highest score by an Indian captain in England, surpassing Virat Kohli’s 254 not out against South Africa. Gill’s knock is also the highest by an Indian batter in Tests outside Asia, underscoring his dominance on English soil.
India’s bowling attack, led by Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, had initially put England under immense pressure. Siraj’s early strikes on Day 3, dismissing Root and Stokes in consecutive balls, threatened to derail England’s innings completely. Prasidh Krishna, despite conceding the joint-most runs in a single over against England alongside Ravindra Jadeja, remained a constant threat. However, the counter-attacking brilliance of Smith and Brook turned the tide, forcing India onto the back foot despite their massive lead.
The match remains finely poised as England head into the fourth day with renewed hope. Smith and Brook’s partnership has not only narrowed the deficit but also injected belief into the home side. With the scoreboard reading 249 for five at lunch on Day 3, England still trail by 338 runs but have laid a solid foundation for a potential comeback.
As the players take a break, cricket fans around the world eagerly await the next chapter in this gripping Test battle. Will England’s young stars continue their fearless assault and push their team back into contention, or will India regroup and reassert their dominance? The drama at Edgbaston is far from over.
