Jamie Smith & Harry Brook Turn the Tide — Can England Keep the Momentum?

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Edgbaston, July 4, 2025: A stunning counterattack from Jamie Smith (102)* and Harry Brook (91)* rescued England from a precarious position on Day 3 of the Edgbaston Test against India. After a dramatic early collapse that saw Joe Root and Ben Stokes fall in successive deliveries to Mohammad Siraj, the hosts were reeling at 84/5. However, an unbroken 165-run partnership for the sixth wicket brought them back into the contest by Lunch.

Siraj Strikes Early With Twin Blows

India began the morning session in style, with Mohammad Siraj delivering a fiery first over that sent shockwaves through the English top order. Root, trying to flick a leg-side delivery, edged it to Rishabh Pant, while Stokes was undone by a sharp rising delivery that brushed the handle of his bat on its way to the keeper.

At that point, England looked in deep trouble. But debutant wicketkeeper Jamie Smith turned the tide with a fearless display of strokeplay.

Jamie Smith Fires England Comeback with Rapid Century

Facing a hat-trick ball, Smith confidently drove it down the ground for four, setting the tone for his aggressive innings. He raced to a brilliant century off just 80 balls, making him the joint third-fastest Test centurion for England. Smith dominated Indian pacers, especially Prasidh Krishna, plundering 23 runs in a single over just before drinks.

Smith’s innings was a blend of composure and counterattack. He pulled short balls with ease and punished both seamers and spinners alike. His onslaught included powerful strokes against Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja, and he brought up his fifty with back-to-back boundaries, equaling his partner Brook’s pace.

Brook Anchors with Classy 91*

At the other end, Harry Brook played a composed knock, reaching his fifty in 72 balls and showing his trademark elegance through cover drives and back-foot punches. He was nine short of a century at the break, having anchored the recovery effort with maturity and intent.

Fast-Paced Session Sees England Rally

England piled on 172 runs in the morning session alone — an extraordinary recovery after the early jolts. Yet, despite the fightback, they still trail India by 338 runs, with the match finely poised heading into the afternoon session.

With Smith already reaching triple figures and Brook nearing his, the momentum has clearly shifted. India will need early breakthroughs post-lunch to regain control of the game.

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