Fri Jul 04 12:01:05 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**England Fight Back After Early India Strike in Second Test**
**Edgbaston, Birmingham -** England are mounting a counter-attack on Day 3 of the second Test against India after a dramatic morning session saw the Indian pace attack initially put them on the back foot. After India posted a formidable 587 in their first innings, spearheaded by Shubman Gill’s stunning 269, England found themselves in trouble early.
Mohammed Siraj ripped through the English middle order, dismissing key batsmen Joe Root and Ben Stokes with consecutive deliveries, threatening a follow-on situation. However, Jamie Smith and Harry Brook have steadied the ship, launching a spirited fightback.
Smith reached a rapid century in just 80 balls, while Brook also notched up a half-century. Smith’s aggressive approach, including a blistering 23-run over against Prasidh Krishna, has shifted the momentum, pulling England back into contention. At the time of reporting, England are 228/5 after 43 overs.
The match remains finely poised as England look to close the gap on India’s substantial first-innings total.
First Piper 