ENG vs IND, 2nd Test Day 3 Live Updates: ENG (84/5), Siraj removes Root, Stokes early on Day 3

India Today

17 hours ago

Akash Deep has already bowled 19 no-balls in just eight Tests—a tally that ranks seventh-highest among all bowlers since his debut. Among those who have delivered at least 100 overs in this period, only South Africans Kagiso Rabada (one every 29 balls) and Wiaan Mulder (one every 33 balls) have overstepped more frequently than Akash, who sends down a no-ball every 49 deliveries.
Jamie Smith denies Siraj a hat-trick in style! The pacer goes full hunting for the third in a row, but Smith is up to the task. Presents the full face of the bat and drives it crisply down the ground, beating mid-off with precision. A confident stroke under pressure—four runs and a small but significant statement from the debutant.
Two in two for Siraj, and this one's a jaffa! Ben Stokes lasts just one ball as Siraj sends the English skipper packing for a golden duck. A vicious delivery that climbed sharply off a good length-Stokes was squared up, unsure whether to play or leave, and could only fend at it. The edge flew to Pant, who made no mistake. Siraj roars in delight, and India are all over England. Stokes c Pant b Siraj 0(1).
India strike early! Mohammed Siraj draws first blood in just the second over of the morning, and it's the big wicket of Joe Root. A nothing delivery really—drifting down the leg side—but Root gets a faint tickle and Pant makes no mistake behind the stumps. Umpire Sharfuddoula raises the finger instantly, and there's no hesitation from Root as he walks back, visibly disappointed. He was looking to glance it fine but only managed to feather it to the keeper. A bonus breakthrough for India, and a body blow for England. Root c Pant b Siraj 22 (46, 4s-2).
Here we go.
The players are on the ground. Akash Deep has the ball in hand and Joe Root in front of him.
Remember, England are still 510 runs behind the mark and have 7 wickets in hand.
India fast bowler Akash Deep takes a cheeky dig at English conditions. The fast bowler says that he was betrayed by conditions because he assumed that it would be bowling friendly.
Akash Deep says that the discussion in the Indian bowling group was that they have played in similar conditions across India, and they know how to take wickets here.
The former India bowling coach, Bharath Arun says that India have made a shift in bowling plans in the 2nd Test match. Bharat Arun says that India have bowled much better in Edgbaston. He says that someone like Prasidh has bowled much fuller here and India should get their rewards for making this change.
But fast bowlers need a lot of patience, says Arun.
India are 510 runs ahead of England and need 7 wickets to bowl them out in the first innings. India are quite ahead of the competition at the moment, and they would like to keep it that way.
Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj bowled with discipline yesterday and were able to pick up 3 late wickets on Day 2.
It is Day 3, the pitch is expected to remain good for batting, and it would be interesting to see how India or for that matter England go by here.
Hello and welcome to the live coverage of India's 2nd Test match against England. It is Day 3 in the Birmingham Test match, and we are expecting a fascinating contest.