Day 3 of the second Test between India and England at Edgbaston, Birmingham delivered top-class cricket filled with stellar batting, sensational bowling, and dramatic moments. After winning the toss and opting to bowl first, England were made to toil for two days as India posted a mammoth 587 all out in 151 overs.
Leading from the front, Indian skipper Shubman Gill played a marathon knock, scoring a magnificent 269 runs off 387 balls, peppered with 30 boundaries and 3 sixes. His innings was a blend of patience, elegance, and authority. Supporting him were Ravindra Jadeja, who crafted a solid 89 off 137 balls with 10 fours and a six, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who provided a fiery start with 87 off 107 balls, including 13 fours. Despite the huge total, England spinner Shoaib Bashir toiled hard and emerged as the pick of the bowlers, finishing with 3 wickets for 167 runs in 45 overs.
In reply, England put up a spirited fight with the bat, scoring 407 runs in 89.3 overs, thanks to a resilient century from Harry Brook, who made 158 off 234 deliveries with 17 fours and a six. The standout performance, however, came from Jamie Smith, who remained unbeaten on a majestic 184 off 207 balls, smashing 21 fours and 4 sixes. The duo helped England recover from early setbacks, but it was Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj who turned the game with a sensational spell, picking up 6 wickets for 70 runs, while Akash Deep supported well with 4 for 88.
With a healthy first-innings lead of 180 runs, India began their second innings positively. By stumps on Day 3, India reached 64/1 in 13 overs, extending their overall lead to 244 runs. Opener KL Rahul looked solid, batting on 28 not out, alongside Karun Nair, who was unbeaten on 7. The only wicket to fall was that of Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was dismissed controversially for 28, triggering a DRS debate involving England captain Ben Stokes.
As the match heads into Day 4, India hold a commanding position with a strong lead and plenty of batting to come. England, meanwhile, will be banking on early breakthroughs to stay alive in what is shaping up to be a riveting Test match at Edgbaston.
