Riding on sensational centuries from Harry Brook and Jamie Smith, England staged a remarkable fightback after being reduced to 84/5 following captain Ben Stokes’ golden duck. The pair not only rescued their side from trouble but also rewrote the record books in the process. Jamie Smith became the joint-third fastest England batter to score a Test century (balls needed) and etched his name into history as the only Englishman to register 100+ runs in a session before lunch, having not been unbeaten overnight. His aggressive approach perfectly complemented Brook’s fluent strokeplay as the duo rebuilt England’s innings with authority. As Smith and Brook piled on the runs, the stump mic picked up a trademark moment featuring India’s vocal wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant. After Brook attempted an audacious new shot, Pant quipped, “New one. New shot, huh?” prompting a shared smile between the two.The comment came after Brook unexpectedly guided a ball behind the wicketkeeper despite Pant standing close by. What seemed like an attempt to nudge the ball to leg turned into an improvised stroke that even caught Pant off guard.
While Brook was eventually bowled by Akash Deep for a commanding 158 off 234 balls, he had already done the damage, putting up a mammoth 303-run stand with Smith that swung the momentum back in England’s favour.
Poll
Who impressed you more in England’s fightback against India?
India surged ahead earlier on Day 3 thanks to a fiery over by Mohammed Siraj, when he claimed the wickets of Joe Root and skipper Ben Stokes. This also meant that England claimed the unwanted record of losing three top-six batter for ducks at home. This was only the second time this happened for the hosts, with the first coming against Pakistan way back in 2010.
