Former England batter Jonathan Trott heaped glowing praise on Harry Brook and Jamie Smith after their heroic 303-run stand in the second Test against India at Edgbaston. From a dire 84/5 to reaching 407, the English pair not only rescued their side but also lit up Day 3 with a batting masterclass. Smith, playing just his second Test, remained unbeaten on 184, while Brook hammered 158 off 234 deliveries.
Their counterattacking partnership was the heart of England’s innings and helped steer them out of early trouble after Joe Root and Ben Stokes were dismissed off consecutive deliveries by Mohammed Siraj. However, the Indian pace duo of Siraj (6/70) and Akash Deep (4/88) came back strong late in the innings, dismantling the lower order and securing a healthy 180-run lead for India, which grew to 244 by stumps.
Speaking on JioHotstar, Jonathan Trott remarked, “Everyone at Edgbaston today got their money’s worth. The standard of play was simply outstanding. Brook and Smith played high-class cricket. Sure, you can critique India’s tactics at times, but full credit to the English duo. Then, when India came out to bat again, you could see a clear shift in mindset—they were intent on extending the lead quickly and decisively.”
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Former India pacer Varun Aaron was equally effusive in his praise for Siraj’s performance, especially in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah.
“There’s a pattern now. Siraj loves the responsibility when Bumrah isn’t around,” Varun Aaron observed. “Just like Shubman Gill embraces leadership with the bat, Siraj thrives on leading the bowling attack. That 6/70 is his best return in England. What stood out was his tactical acumen—drawing batters forward with the away-seamer before bringing the ball back in sharply. That’s his signature weapon now.”
Aaron also noted that while the Brook-Smith partnership was a masterclass under pressure, England’s batting depth remains a concern.
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“They needed a massive partnership, and Brook and Smith delivered. But six ducks in an innings? That’s a glaring issue,” Varun Aaron pointed out. “Those two carried the innings, while the rest of the line-up faltered badly. If the others had chipped in, we might’ve had a real contest. But as it stands, India are comfortably ahead.”
With India already leading by 244 and nine wickets in hand, the pressure is now firmly on England as Day 4 looms.
