Dazzling duo of Harry Brook-Jamie Smith does the unthinkable, notch up historic partnership record to rescue England in Edgbaston Test

When the odds were stacked against England, it was the dazzling duo of Harry Brook and Jamie Smith, who stood tall with a stunning partnership to rescue the hosts on Day 3 of the second Test against India at Edgbaston in Birmingham on July 4.

Harry Brook and Jamie Smith stormed into the history books by forming a solid 303-run partnership runs when England was in a precarious position. The hosts had lost half of their batting lineup for just 84 runs and were trailing India by a significant margin of 503 runs when Brook and Smith came together in the middle.

The duo displayed aggressive intent right from the start, scoring at a rate exceeding six runs per over in the first session on day three. Despite their attacking approach, they managed to survive the session without losing a wicket. India tested them after lunch, and a chance was even created when Rishabh Pant dropped Jamie Smith when he was batting on 121, with the partnership standing at 195.

Despite some probing spells from the Indian bowlers, luck favored Brook and Smith. They continued their strong partnership throughout the second session. While the scoring rate slightly decreased, their resilience remained unbroken. They eventually surpassed the record of Peter Parfitt and Barry Knight, establishing the third-highest sixth-wicket partnership for England in Test cricket.

Remarkably, both Brook and Smith were given three reprieves each, with all catches being difficult chances. They capitalized on these opportunities, making the most of the let-offs. The pitch offered little assistance to both the fast bowlers and the spinners. Unfazed by these conditions, Brook and Smith continued to bat with determination and skill.

Highest 6th wicket partnership for England in Tests:

399: Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow (vs South Africa, Cape Town, 2016)
281: Graham Thorpe and Andrew Flintoff (vs New Zealand, Christchurch, 2002)
303: Harry Brook and Jamie Smith – (vs India, Birmingham, 2025)
240: Peter Parfitt and Barry Knight (vs New Zealand, Auckland, 1963)

However, Akash Deep finally ended the alliance between Smith and Brook by dismissing the latter on 158 off 234 which left England at 387/6.