2nd Test: India are still controlling everything despite Smith-Brook stand, says Broad

IANS July 4, 2025 402 views

Stuart Broad provided fascinating insights into the second Test match between India and England at Edgbaston. Jamie Smith's stunning century and Harry Brook's resilient batting helped England recover from a precarious 84/5 position. Despite their remarkable partnership, Broad believes India still maintains control of the match. The commentary highlights the dramatic shifts in momentum during this intense cricket encounter.

"When Smith came in, WinViz had England at one per cent. That's as low as you can get" - Stuart Broad
2nd Test: India are still controlling everything despite Smith-Brook stand, says Broad
Birmingham, July 4: Former England fast-bowler Stuart Broad believes India still are in control of proceedings in the second Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series, despite the rollicking 165-run sixth wicket stand between Jamie Smith and Harry Brook taking the hosts to 249/5 in 47 overs.

Key Points

1

Smith's remarkable 102 not out turns match momentum

2

Brook's unbeaten 91 supports crucial partnership

3

England recovers from 84/5 to 249/5

4

Broad believes India still controls match proceedings

At Edgbaston on Friday, Smith hammered a sensational 80-ball century, his second century in the format, and was unbeaten on 102 while Brook remained 91 not out as England staged a remarkable recovery from 84/5 by hitting all Indian bowlers all around the park.

"A brilliant start to the day for India with Mohammed Siraj making those breakthroughs (of Ben Stokes and Joe Root) so early. It was all India, so the way Harry Brook and Jamie Smith have built has been amazing. Smith came out on a hat-trick ball, probably the most pressurised situation he's been in wearing an England shirt, and is now on a century."

"When Smith came in, WinViz had England at one per cent. That's as low as you can get and as far behind in the game you can be. It's been an amazing partnership from Smith and Brook, but England are still way behind in this game. India are still controlling everything," said Broad on Sky Sports' broadcast during lunch break.

He also felt the timing of the break in proceedings came at a great time for the visitors. "I watched the India team walk off, and their body language was really down. This session belongs to England. Yes, they lost two in two, but the way they have played since then has been outstanding."

"Things are happening so quickly when you're out in the middle, and you just need to sit down and have a think. This lunch break has come at a really good time for India," added Broad.

Dinesh Karthik, the former India wicketkeeper-batter, further dissected how Smith dismantled India's bowling plans. "It was beautiful to come out there, not think a lot, and react to the ball. Smith is very instinctive and very old-school in the way he uses his feet. He can slog-sweep and isn't an easy guy to bowl to because anything slightly towards his area, fuller or shorter, he puts away."

Broad signed off by terming Brook as a wonderful player. "I didn't really notice Brook, I was focusing on Smith, but Brook has played beautifully. He's a wonderful, wonderful player. Sometimes we question when he uses his feet, and you think he doesn't need to, but he's a wonderful, wonderful player."

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As an England fan, this partnership has been thrilling to watch! Smith's century was pure class. But I agree with Broad - India's bowling attack is too strong to write them off yet. Test cricket at its best!
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Ananya R
Our bowlers looked tired towards the end of the session. Hope Bumrah gives them a proper pep talk during lunch. We need to attack the stumps more instead of bowling short to these two. #BleedBlue
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Vikram M
Respect to Smith and Brook for that counterattack, but honestly our field placements were too defensive after those early wickets. Need more attacking fields when new batsmen come in. Rohit needs to be more aggressive as captain.
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Kavya N
That session was like a T20 match! 😅 But Test cricket is about patience. England scored quickly but we just need 1-2 wickets to be back on top. Jadeja needs to bowl more - his economy was excellent today.
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Michael C
As a neutral observer, this is why I love Test cricket! The ebb and flow is incredible. India dominated, then England fought back, and now the game is perfectly poised. What a contest!

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Tags:
Cricket India vs England Test Stuart Broad Jamie Smith Harry Brook Edgbaston Test