India moved a step closer to squaring the five-match Test series with a commanding performance on Day 3 of the second Test at Edgbaston. Mohammed Siraj stole the spotlight with a devastating six-wicket haul that dismantled England’s middle and lower order, while Akash Deep chipped in at a crucial juncture to derail the hosts' resistance.
England, resuming the day on 77/3, saw their hopes of overhauling India’s imposing first-innings total of 587 quickly unravel. Despite a spirited effort from Jamie Smith, who remained unbeaten on 184, the home side folded for 407, still trailing by 180 runs.
Smith and Harry Brook had staged a spirited counterattack with a 303-run stand, but Brook’s dismissal with the second new ball to Akash Deep signalled the beginning of England’s downfall. Siraj, operating with precision and venom, accounted for key wickets including Joe Root and Ben Stokes in quick succession, eventually wrapping up the tail with clinical efficiency to return figures of 6-70.
Returning to bat, India ended the day at 64/ 1 in their second innings, with KL Rahul (29 not out) and Karun Nair (20 not out) looking composed after the early departure of Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Earlier in the match, India had piled on the pressure thanks to Shubman Gill’s marathon 269, supported by key contributions from the top and middle order. With a lead of 244 runs and two days remaining, India hold a clear advantage and will aim to bat England out of the game before unleashing their bowlers again on a surface that’s beginning show uneven bounce.
The Edgbaston crowd has witnessed a high-quality contest so far, but England will need something truly special to turn the tide from here.
