India Tightens Grip On Edgbaston Test, Lead Grows To 244 At Stumps On Day 3

England was dismissed for 407 runs in their first innings, handing India a commanding 180-run lead after their own total of 587.

The day began with a fiery burst from Siraj, who removed two key batters in back-to-back deliveries.

Source : @BCCI / X

At the close of Day 3, India firmly holds the upper hand, leading by 244 runs with nine wickets still in hand. The only setback so far has been the dismissal of Yashasvi Jaiswal, while the rest of the batting lineup looks composed and in control.

Unlike their performance in Leeds, where lapses in concentration allowed England to claw back into the contest despite India dominating for long periods, the visitors have been clinical this time. They've shown sharp discipline in the field, refused to let England’s lower order flourish, and have capitalized with the bat when the moment presented itself. It’s been a near-perfect performance so far—ruthless and relentless.

Batting in their second innings in 2nd Test at Birmingham, India created a new benchmark in Test cricket on English soil by racing to 50 runs in just 7.2 overs—their fastest-ever fifty in a Test match in England. The previous record was 8.2 overs, achieved at Trent Bridge in 2018.

England All Out for 407

Team India took firm control of the second Test at Edgbaston, thanks to a stunning bowling performance from Mohammed Siraj, who claimed his first-ever five-wicket haul on English soil. England was dismissed for 407 runs in their first innings, handing India a commanding 180-run lead after their own total of 587.

The day began with a fiery burst from Siraj, who removed two key batters in back-to-back deliveries. Despite this early jolt, Harry Brook and Jamie Smith launched a spectacular counterattack for England. The duo stitched together a remarkable 303-run partnership for the sixth wicket, reviving England’s hopes after a disastrous start.

Harry Brook scored a gritty 158 runs off 234 balls, hitting 17 fours and a six. Meanwhile, Jamie Smith remained unbeaten on 184 off 207 deliveries, peppered with 21 fours and 4 sixes. Their partnership was the backbone of England’s innings, as the rest of the batting lineup crumbled—six English players were dismissed for ducks, failing to get off the mark.

Siraj’s Fifer Sparks Comeback

Despite the massive stand, the Indian bowlers, led by Siraj, made a strong comeback. Siraj finished with figures of 6 wickets, marking his fourth career fifer in Test cricket, and his maiden one in England. Akash Deep, making his presence felt as well, contributed with 4 wickets, cleaning up the remaining batting order efficiently.

Though India couldn't enforce a follow-on, they now have a solid 180-run cushion and will look to pile on more runs in the second innings to tighten their grip on the match and level the series 1-1.