Pujara, Pant fatten India's lead after Bairstow masterclass

MATCH CENTRE

The summer of Bairstow continues

After a circumspect start last evening, Jonny Bairstow was back at his obliterating best in the morning session of day three. Right off the bat, he took the attack to the Indian bowlers, putting them on the backfoot. It wasn't long before he brought up his half-century and he was galloping towards a three-figure score at the rate of knots. Bairstow also overtook Australian Usman Khawaja to become the leading run-scorer in 2022, with over 850 runs. His intent gave a real impetus to the England innings. For the most part, Bairstow looked unstoppable with only rain forcing him from scoring as an early lunch was taken. A slight delay after the lunch break due to a wet outfield, but when play resumed, Bairstow raced to his fifth Test century in 2022 – the most in this calendar year in men's Tests.

Stokes' luck finally runs out

Like Bairstow, skipper Ben Stokes also walked out with an aggressive mindset. But his intention to take on the bowling also created some opportunities for the bowlers. He was first dropped by Shardul Thakur, when he shimmied down the track against Shami, only to miscue his shot badly. Later, Indian captain, Jasprit Bumrah put down a sitter at mid-off as Stokes attempted an aggressive shot against Thakur. Off the very next delivery, Stokes was finally dismissed for 25 as Bumrah took a blinder, with Thakur having the last laugh.

Shami catches the big fish as Siraj wraps up England's tail

After a few overs of Bumrah bowling from one end, and Thakur from another, the India captain brought Ravindra Jadeja's spin into the action as the visitors kept their search for a wicket on. Shortly after, Mohammad Shami was handed the ball for the first time in the afternoon session, and he did not disappoint. On his first ball, he delivered an outside-off full-length delivery, tempting centurion Bairstow to drive on, only to edge it into the hands of Virat Kohli at first slip. Shami on his hunt for a wicket caught the biggest fish of the innings, bringing in some much-needed joy in the India camp. The England batter, on his way back, received a standing ovation from the Edgbaston crowd for his innings of grit – a 140-ball 106 (14 fours and two sixes).

Bairstow's wicket sparked England's collapse courtesy of Mohammed Siraj. From 241/7, England were bowled out for 284, with a first-innings deficit of 132 runs. Siraj first had Stuart Broad caught behind by Rishabh Pant for 1, then he had Sam Billings bowled for 36 before wrapping up the England innings with Matty Potts' wicket, who was caught by Shreyas Iyer at second slip.

Pujara fight helps balloon India's lead

After the innings break, India openers Shubman Gill and Cheteshwar Pujara walked out to bat while England handed the new ball to veteran pace ace James Anderson. Gill, for the second time in the match, fell prey to Anderson, caught at the second slip by Zak Crawley. India 4/1 in 0.3 overs. After an early hiccup, Pujara and Vihari took India to tea at 37/1.

Vihari departed soon after the tea break and Virat Kohli's stay at the crease did not last for long either – a fasntastic delivery from Stokes bringing about his downfall as Root lapped up a sharp catch at first slip.

Pujara was his usual patient self and despite surviving a couple of close calls and a nasty blow to his fingers, brought up his 33rd Test fifty. His partner Rishabh Pant continued in the same aggressive fashion he employed in the first innings and together the duo helped India's lead past 250.