Daijiworld Media Network - Edgbaston

Edgbaston, Jul 5: Acting skipper Rishabh Pant made a decisive impact on Day 3 of the second Test between India and England at Edgbaston, helping Mohammed Siraj secure his fourth wicket with a crucial DRS call.

Pant took charge when regular captain Shubman Gill briefly left the field. On the fifth ball of the 88th over, Siraj struck Brydon Carse on the pads. Though the umpire turned down the LBW appeal, Pant was convinced and signalled for a review. The DRS showed the ball hitting the leg stump, prompting umpire Saikat to reverse his decision. Siraj was elated, and Gill, who had returned to the field, embraced him in celebration.

Former England skipper Nasser Hussain, on air, noted, “It was Rishabh Pant who actually took the review. Shubman Gill came charging in and gave Siraj a warm hug for handling the DRS call in his absence. That was a great review.”

India ended Day 3 in a dominant position with a lead of over 200 runs in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Mohammed Siraj starred with figures of 6/70 from 19.3 overs, dismantling the English top order, including key wickets of Joe Root and Ben Stokes in a fiery spell. Akash Deep also contributed with 4/88.

Despite a spirited 303-run partnership between Jamie Smith and Harry Brook for the sixth wicket, England could not prevent India from taking a substantial 180-run first-innings lead. Brook dazzled with a gritty 158, while Smith remained unbeaten on a record 184 – the highest score by an England wicketkeeper in Tests – but ran out of partners.

India look to consolidate their advantage heading into the penultimate day.