Smith epic saves England but India still in control

Second Rothesay Test, Edgbaston (day three of five)

India 587 & 64-1: Rahul 28*; Tongue 1-12

England 407: Smith 184*, Brook 158; Siraj 6-70

India lead by 244 runs

Scorecard

Jamie Smith and Harry Brook produced a stunning England fightback but India remain in a dominant position at the end of the third day of the second Test at Edgbaston.

Smith counter-attacked after Joe Root and Ben Stokes fell in consecutive deliveries in the second over of the day, racing to an 80-ball century and going on to make a supreme 184 not out.

He shared an epic partnership of 303 with Brook, who made a more measured yet equally as crucial 158, to haul England back into the contest.

India came roaring back with the second new ball, however, dismissing Brook and sweeping aside the lower order as the final five England wickets fell for just 20 runs. The hosts were all out for 407 with a fired-up Mohammed Siraj taking 6-70.

That meant India took a big first-innings lead of 180, although not as significant an advantage as they looked set for when Stokes was out with his side five down and 503 behind.

India reached 64-1 in 13 overs before the close, extending their advantage to 244.

The enthralling day leaves India in control but, with England's love for a run-chase, a memorable final two days could yet be in store as the tourists look to level the series.

The first two days of this match were absorbing. On Friday it burst into life to produce one of the most remarkable days in recent memory.

The first session was scarcely believable. England scored 172 runs and excitement built that Smith could reach three figures in less than 76 balls to make the fastest century by an England player – a record that has stood for 123 years.

He failed in that quest but, having come in with his side 85-5 and staring down the barrel, still made the highest score by an England wicketkeeper in men's Tests, eclipsing Alec Stewart's 173 in New Zealand in 1997.

Either side of Smith's mammoth stand with Brook, England lost seven wickets for 28 runs. India deserve immense credit for the way they sensed their moment after tea.

Significant seam movement for Akash Deep helped him bowl Brook while the occasional ball has turned for the spinners and others kept low to the quicks.

That means chasing anything more than the 371 England pursued at Headingley to win last week's first Test will be tough.

But if England do not bowl out India, their opponents will be left with an intriguing tactical decision of when to declare given England's chasing credentials – they also pursued 378 to beat India in 2022 - and the hosts' stated disinterest in playing for a draw.

Would India leave England four sessions to get 500? It could be fascinating.