Daijiworld Media Network – Birmingham

Birmingham, Jul 4: England’s Jamie Smith tore into Indian pacer Prasidh Krishna on Day 3 of the second Test at Edgbaston, smashing him for 23 runs in a single over — the 32nd of England’s first innings — with four boundaries and a six. The assault followed an excellent start for India, as Mohammed Siraj dismissed Joe Root and Ben Stokes in successive balls earlier in the session.

Smith’s counterattack momentarily shifted the momentum and has also brought unwanted attention to Prasidh, who, according to a widely shared social media statistic, now holds the worst economy rate in the history of Test cricket among bowlers who have delivered at least 500 balls. The post claims Krishna has been conceding over five runs per over in his Test career — surpassing Bangladesh's Shahadat Hossain, who previously held the record with an economy rate of 4.16 from 38 matches. NDTV, however, noted that this statistic remains unverified.

Despite the hammering, India had seized control of the match earlier in the day, thanks to Siraj’s double strike that saw Root fall for 22 and captain Stokes depart for a golden duck. Both were caught behind by Rishabh Pant, with Siraj’s rising delivery to Stokes particularly unplayable.

England resumed on 77-3 in reply to India’s massive 567, built around skipper Shubman Gill’s monumental 269. At the time of Siraj’s double blow, England had slumped to 84-5, with Harry Brook and Jamie Smith left to mount a rescue act.

While Krishna’s expensive spell drew sharp criticism on social media, India continued to hold a firm grip on the Test, with the hosts still trailing by over 480 runs and facing a daunting task to avoid a series-levelling defeat.