India’s cricket team delivered a stunning performance on Day 3 of the second Test match against England at Edgbaston, bowling out the hosts for 407 and securing a commanding 180-run lead.
The heroics of pace bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep, who claimed 6 and 4 wickets respectively, underscored India’s growing strength in Test cricket, while skipper Shubman Gill’s unbeaten 149 further solidified their dominance.
The day began with England resuming at 287/5, but Siraj and Deep’s relentless attack dismantled the batting lineup. Siraj, who first rose to prominence with a 41-wicket haul in the 2016-17 Ranji Trophy, showcased his overseas prowess, while Akash Deep, fresh off a 41-wicket season in the 2023 Ranji Trophy, proved his mettle with a fiery spell. Their combined effort restricted England, despite a valiant 184 by Jamie Smith and 98 by Harry Brook.
This performance comes as England banked on the return of Jofra Archer, the 150+ kmph pacer making his comeback after a four-year injury layoff. However, India’s resilience, backed by recent ESPNcricinfo data highlighting an 11-match unbeaten streak overseas, suggests a shifting tide in Test cricket. Gill’s seventh Test century, surpassing Mohammed Azharuddin’s record on English soil, added 587 runs to India’s total, setting a formidable target.
As the match heads into Day 4, India’s strategic depth and emerging talents position them as favourites to clinch the series.
