India vs. England 2nd Test, Day 3: A Thrilling Turn at Edgbaston with Starexch Buzz

The third day of the second Test match between India and England at Edgbaston on July 4, 2025, was a captivating display of Test cricket, filled with electrifying performances and dramatic momentum shifts. India, powered by Mohammed Siraj’s fiery bowling and Shubman Gill’s record-breaking first-innings heroics, ended the day in a commanding position, leading by 244 runs. As fans discuss the match on platforms like starexch, the excitement is palpable. Here’s a detailed review of Day 3 and a preview of what to expect on Day 4.

Day 3 Review: Siraj’s Fire, Smith’s Brilliance, and India’s Grip

Day 3 at Edgbaston was a rollercoaster, with India’s bowlers, led by Mohammed Siraj, and England’s batsmen, spearheaded by Jamie Smith and Harry Brook, delivering standout performances. The buzz on starexch, a popular platform for cricket enthusiasts, reflected the intensity of the day’s play, with fans dissecting every moment.

Morning Session: Siraj’s Explosive Spell

India started the day in a dominant position after posting 587 in their first innings, thanks to Shubman Gill’s monumental 269 and Ravindra Jadeja’s 89. England, trailing by 554 runs, faced an uphill battle. Mohammed Siraj wasted no time, setting the tone with a hostile spell that saw him dismiss Joe Root and Ben Stokes off consecutive deliveries. Root edged a leg-side ball to Rishabh Pant, while Stokes fell for a golden duck, fending a rising delivery. England were reeling at 84 for 5, and starexch discussions lit up with praise for Siraj’s aggression.

Siraj’s figures of 6 for 70, including his first five-wicket haul in England, were a testament to his leadership in Jasprit Bumrah’s absence. Akash Deep supported with two wickets, including Zak Crawley, as England slumped to 25 for 3 early on. The starexch community hailed Siraj’s fiery spell as a game-changer.

For supporters following the game, best cricket exchange sites offer an interactive means of remaining involved in the match's turn of events.

Afternoon Session: Smith and Brook Fight Back

Just when India seemed poised to run through England, Jamie Smith and Harry Brook launched a stunning counterattack. Smith, England’s wicketkeeper-batter, played a breathtaking knock, racing to a century in just 80 balls—the joint-third fastest for England in Test history. His 184* included 14 fours and three sixes, with a 23-run over against Prasidh Krishna becoming a talking point on starexch. Brook, with a more measured 140, anchored the innings, forming a 303-run sixth-wicket partnership that lifted England to 355 for 5 by tea.

The starexch platform buzzed with admiration for Smith’s audacious strokeplay and Brook’s resilience, as England’s “Bazball” approach kept them in the fight. India’s spinners, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, struggled to make an impact, prompting debates on starexch about India’s bowling strategy.

Evening Session: India Regain Control

The second new ball turned the tide back in India’s favor. Akash Deep dismissed Brook, ending the marathon partnership, and Siraj returned to wreak havoc, picking up three quick wickets to finish with six. England collapsed from 387 for 5 to 407 all out, conceding a 180-run lead. Their innings featured six ducks, including two golden ducks, alongside the centuries from Smith and Brook—a stat that sparked lively discussions on starexch.

India’s second innings started aggressively, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul racing to 51 for 1 in 7.4 overs. Jaiswal fell lbw to Josh Tongue for 28, but Rahul (28*) and Karun Nair (7*) guided India to 64 for 1 at stumps, extending their lead to 244. With drizzle looming, starexch users speculated on how the weather might shape Day 4.

Key Performances

• Mohammed Siraj (India): 6 for 70, dismantling England’s top order with Root and Stokes falling in quick succession.

• Jamie Smith (England): Unbeaten 184 off 147 balls, a career-defining knock that kept England alive.

• Harry Brook (England): 140 off 127 balls, anchoring the innings during England’s fightback.

• Shubman Gill (India): His first-innings 269 broke Sunil Gavaskar’s record for India’s highest Test score in England.

• Akash Deep (India): 4 for 104, providing crucial breakthroughs in Bumrah’s absence.

Day 4 Preview: India’s Push for Dominance Amid starexch Hype

India head into Day 4 with a 244-run lead and nine wickets in hand, firmly in control. However, Edgbaston’s history of favoring chasing teams and a forecast of rain add intrigue. starexch is abuzz with predictions about whether India can seal the advantage or if England’s “Bazball” spirit will spark a comeback.

India’s Strategy

India will aim to bat England out of the game, targeting a lead of 400-plus. KL Rahul, fluent at 28*, and captain Shubman Gill, fresh off his double century, will be key. With rain predicted, India may adopt an aggressive approach to maximize their lead early. Siraj and Akash Deep will be crucial with the new ball in England’s second innings, especially on a pitch favoring seamers. starexch users are debating whether India’s spinners, Jadeja and Sundar, can exploit any Day 4 wear.

England’s Response

England need early wickets to limit India’s lead. Josh Tongue and Brydon Carse will lead the pace attack, while Shoaib Bashir and Joe Root may find more assistance if the pitch deteriorates. After their first-innings collapse, England’s batsmen, led by Jamie Smith and Ben Stokes, must channel their aggressive approach to chase a potential 350-plus target. starexch discussions highlight Smith’s form and Stokes’ knack for defying odds as England’s biggest hopes.

Pitch and Weather

Edgbaston’s pitch remains a batting paradise but offers new-ball movement, as seen in both innings. Spinners have struggled, averaging 44.45 for wickets, but variable bounce could emerge on Day 4. Rain, especially in the afternoon, could disrupt play, prompting both teams to strategize around potential time loss. starexch users are closely monitoring weather updates for Birmingham.

Players to Watch

• KL Rahul (India): His fluent 28* sets him up for a big score to drive India’s lead.

• Mohammed Siraj (India): After his six-wicket haul, Siraj will be India’s spearhead in England’s second innings.

• Jamie Smith (England): His 184* showcased his potential, and England need more from him.

• Ben Stokes (England): After a golden duck, Stokes will be eager to make an impact with bat or ball.

Prediction

India hold the upper hand, but England’s aggressive approach and Edgbaston’s chasing history (notably their 378-run chase in 2022) keep the contest alive. If India push their lead beyond 400, they’ll be favorites to level the series at 1-1. Rain could force a draw, a scenario heavily discussed on starexch. Day 4 promises more drama, with Siraj’s fire, Smith’s flair, and the weather all in focus. Will India tighten their grip, or can England stage a Bazball miracle? Follow the action and join the conversation on starexch!