The second Test of the five-match series between India and England has taken a dramatic twist at Edgbaston. While India dominated the first two days with both bat and ball, England has bounced back in stunning fashion on Day 3, thanks to a record-breaking partnership between Harry Brook and Jamie Smith.

In response to India’s massive 587-run total, the hosts found themselves in deep waters. England had slumped to 84/5, and a quick collapse looked imminent. But then came Jamie Smith and Harry Brook — two young batters with calm heads and attacking intent — who turned the game on its head.

The pair not only steadied the innings but launched a counterattack, playing with confidence and flair. Both batters reached their centuries and stitched together a 200-plus stand for the sixth wicket, frustrating the Indian bowlers and reviving England’s hopes.

Historic Sixth-Wicket Partnership

This stand is no ordinary one. It marks the first-ever 200-run partnership for the sixth wicket by England against India in Test history.

Previously, the record belonged to Joe Root and James Anderson, who added 198 runs for the 10th wicket at Trent Bridge in 2014. That partnership remains iconic, but this latest stand between Brook and Smith now holds its own place in the record books.

Harry Brook & Jamie Smith – 200 (ongoing), Edgbaston, 2025

Chris Woakes & Jonny Bairstow – 189, Lord’s

Bob Taylor & Ian Botham – 171, Mumbai, 1980

This is also only the third time in Test cricket history that a team has managed a 200+ partnership for the sixth wicket or lower in response to a first-innings total of 550+ runs. The previous two such instances came in:

1955: West Indies vs Australia, Bridgetown

2009: India vs Sri Lanka, Ahmedabad

At the time of writing, England are 324/5 in their first innings. The game is in the second session of Day 3. Harry Brook is unbeaten on 116, while Jamie Smith is not out on 150, and their partnership has grown to 240 runs off just 248 balls. England still trail India by 262 runs, but the game has swung back to an exciting balance.