India Tightens Grip After Siraj’s Six-Wicket Haul, Leads by 244 on Day 3
Mohammed Siraj starred with a brilliant 6/70 as India bowled out England for 407, taking a crucial first-innings lead of 180 on Day 3 of the second Test at Edgbaston. Akash Deep supported well with 4/94. Jamie Smith’s unbeaten 184 set new records the highest score by an England wicketkeeper and a No. 7 batter in Tests while Harry Brook added 158 in a 301-run stand for the sixth wicket.
Resuming at 77/3, England were rattled by Siraj’s early strikes, dismissing Root and Stokes in quick succession. Smith and Brook counter-attacked with aggressive strokeplay, thriving against spin and pace alike. Akash Deep broke the partnership, cleaning up Brook, after which Siraj ran through the tail.
India’s second innings began positively, with Jaiswal and Rahul putting up 50 in just eight overs. Jaiswal was dismissed for 28, but Rahul (28*) and Karun Nair (7*) ensured no further damage as India reached 64/1 at stumps, extending the lead to 244 runs heading into Day 4.
