NEW DELHI: Jamie Smith etched his name in the record books with an unbeaten 184 — the highest-ever Test score by an England wicketkeeper — while Harry Brook scored a fluent 158, but India still finished Day 3 of the second Test at Edgbaston firmly in control with a lead of over 200 runs.England were reeling at 84/5 and still over 500 runs behind when Smith walked in to join Brook early in the day, right after Mohammed Siraj had delivered a double blow, including handing Ben Stokes the first golden duck of his Test career. The pair then mounted a brilliant fightback, adding 303 runs for the sixth wicket before Brook fell in the post-tea session.By the time England were bowled out for 407, Smith had overtaken Alec Stewart’s previous record for the highest score by an England wicketkeeper — 173 vs New Zealand in 1997.“Very tired, but it was good fun to be out there with Smudge (Jamie Smith)…” Brook said after stumps.
Siraj (6/70) and Akash Deep (4/88), who replaced Jasprit Bumrah for the Test, shared all ten wickets between them, in an innings that included six ducks.India, trailing 0-1 in the series, ended the day at 64/1, with a commanding 244-run lead and two full days left in the match.“India are in front at the minute, but three or four wickets in the morning and you never know. Everything happens so quickly in cricket. I was cramping on my right side — wasn’t ideal. The Indian bowlers bowled well. They attacked from wide of the crease and targeted all three stumps. There are plenty of wickets to be had,” Brook said.
