Brook and Smith centuries have sparked a stunning revival for England on Day 3 of the second Test at Edgbaston. From a dire position of 84 for 5, the pair added 271 unbeaten runs, guiding England to 355 for 5 at tea. Despite still trailing India’s 587 by 232 runs, England took firm control of the session.
Harry Brook Brings Up First Century Against India
Harry Brook began the session on 91 and reached his hundred in style. He guided a delivery from Prasidh Krishna between slip and gully for his 13th boundary. This was Brook’s ninth Test century, his first against India, and only his second on home soil.
Earlier in the series, Brook had narrowly missed a ton at Headingley. However, this knock showed more patience and better shot selection. He maintained balance at the crease and rotated strike smartly while allowing Smith to dominate.
Harry Brook slams 158 in the 2nd Test vs India — fighting knock under pressure!
— wicketbuzz (@wicketbuzz) July 4, 2025
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Jamie Smith’s Hundred Sets the Tone
Jamie Smith had already stolen the show before lunch. His hundred came in just 80 balls, making it one of the fastest by an English player. At the interval, he stood unbeaten on 157, still going strong after reaching three figures in the morning session.
Smith had cashed in on a short-ball plan from Krishna, taking 23 runs off a single over. Later, he handled the spinners with confidence, hitting Ravindra Jadeja for two boundaries to complete his century.
India Rely on New Ball for a Breakthrough
Although India removed Joe Root and Ben Stokes early, they failed to separate the sixth-wicket pair. A rare opportunity came when Smith edged Nitish Kumar Reddy, but Rishabh Pant couldn’t hold on.
Now, the second new ball—due in five overs—remains India’s best chance to break the stand. The Brook and Smith centuries partnership is already the third-highest for the sixth wicket or lower against India.
