What will be the India's gameplan to break the partnership of Harry Brook and J Smith???

Day 3,England vs India - Edgbaston ,

Second Test was a gripping display of twists and momentum shifts, beginning with India well on top and ending with England fighting their way back into the contest. England resumed their innings on 77 for 3, still trailing India by a daunting 510 runs after Shubman Gill’s record-breaking double century had helped India post a massive first-innings total of 587. The morning began disastrously for the hosts, as Mohammed Siraj dismissed Joe Root and Ben Stokes in successive deliveries during his very first over of the day. Root nicked one behind for 22, while Stokes fell for a golden duck, leaving England in deep trouble at 84 for 5. At that stage, the match looked firmly in India's grip, with the threat of a follow-on looming large.

However, what followed was a stunning counterattack led by Harry Brook and debutant Jamie Smith, who brought England roaring back into the match. Brook, calm and composed, played with maturity beyond his years, while Smith counterpunched with fearless intent. The pair added a remarkable 172 runs together in just 27 overs, scoring at an extraordinary run rate of over six an over. Smith was particularly aggressive, reaching his maiden Test century in just 80 balls, making it one of the fastest by an Englishman in Test history. His innings included 14 boundaries and three sixes, and it epitomized England’s modern aggressive "Bazball" approach to Test cricket.

By lunch, England had reached 249 for 5, still trailing by 338 runs, but having shifted the momentum entirely. Brook was unbeaten in the 90s, and Smith’s century had not only frustrated the Indian bowlers but had also lifted England’s spirits. India’s spinners, especially Jadeja, struggled to contain the run flow, while the pacers couldn’t maintain the same control after the early breakthroughs. Despite India’s massive first-innings lead, England’s fightback has ensured the match remains wide open heading into the afternoon and evening sessions.

Can England Keep the Fight Going?

-After the heroic counterattack by Jamie Smith and Harry Brook, the big question is whether England can continue this momentum deeper into the innings.

-If Brook converts his score into a century and the lower order supports him well, England may narrow the deficit significantly and even approach India’s first-innings total.

India’s Bowling Response

-India will be desperate to break the Brook-Smith partnership early in the post-lunch session.

-Their bowlers—especially spinners like Jadeja and Sundar—will be under pressure to find control on a still-decent batting surface.

-If they can take 2–3 quick wickets, the game could swing back in India’s favour.

Follow-On Possibility Diminishes

-With England already past 240, the chances of a follow-on are now low unless there's a late collapse.

-India will likely need to bat again regardless, but their massive first-innings cushion gives them the option to play aggressively.

Brook’s Century and Milestones

-All eyes will be on Harry Brook, who was in the 90s before lunch.

-If he gets a century, it will cap off one of the most thrilling fightbacks under pressure in recent English  Test cricket.

Pitch Behavior

-So far, the Edgbaston surface has remained good for batting, with some variable bounce and a bit of turn.

-Expect it to get slightly tougher by Day 4 and 5, especially for the team batting last. India’s spinners might come into play later in the match.