India Extends Lead Over England Amid Record Smith-Brook Stand At Edgbaston

On the third day of the second Test at Edgbaston, England faced a precarious situation at 84-5, trailing India by more than 500 runs. Jamie Smith and Harry Brook then staged a remarkable recovery, compiling a 303-run partnership, with Smith scoring an unbeaten 184—the highest Test score by an England wicketkeeper—and Brook contributing 158. Despite this heroic effort, England collapsed after Brook's dismissal, losing their last five wickets for just 20 runs, allowing India to take a commanding first-innings lead of 180. Mohammed Siraj was the standout bowler for India, taking six wickets for 70 runs, while Akash Deep took four, dismantling England's tail. India ended the day at 64-1 in their second innings, extending their lead to 244 and putting them in a dominant position to level the series. The match remains poised for an exciting finish, with England's counter-attack highlighting their resilience but India maintaining control.