Harry Brook rose to the occasion on Day 3 of the second Test at Edgbaston, crafting his ninth Test century to help England claw their way back after early trouble against a dominant Indian side. The 26-year-old Yorkshireman reached his hundred in 137 balls, exorcising the ghosts of Headingley where he agonisingly fell for 99 in the first Test.
This time, there was no repeat heartbreak as Brook played a vital role in two phases of England’s innings, helping steady the ship and mount a spirited recovery alongside Jamie Smith.
England had found themselves in deep waters after India, powered by a superb double century from Shubman Gill, piled on a colossal 587 in their first innings. Gill’s masterclass — 269 off 387 balls — was the cornerstone of the innings, as he stitched crucial partnerships: 203 runs with Ravindra Jadeja (89) and 144 with Washington Sundar (42).
England’s bowlers toiled on the flat Edgbaston pitch, and their batters were soon under pressure when they came out to face the music. By the close of Day 2, England were struggling at 77 for 3, having lost Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, and Zak Crawley during a tricky final session.
Brook, who resumed on 30 on the third morning, initially partnered Joe Root as England sought stability. But an inspired Mohammed Siraj rattled the hosts early, removing Root and Ben Stokes off successive deliveries to leave England reeling at 84 for 5.
That’s when Brook and Jamie Smith launched a counterattack, with Smith taking the lead and racing to his century before lunch in just 80 balls, the joint third-fastest Test ton by an England batter. Brook, meanwhile, played the perfect supporting role, raising his half-century in 73 balls and then progressing to a well-deserved century that drew a standing ovation from The Hollies and his teammates.
As in Leeds, England are showing fight after being on the back foot for long stretches. But with India’s huge first-innings score and England still trailing significantly, the Test remains delicately poised. The home side will need their middle order to continue this resistance if they are to avoid the follow-on and stay in the hunt to extend their 1-0 series lead.
