Controversial DRS Moment
The controversial DRS Moment was the biggest talking point on Day 3. When Yashasvi Jaiswal was given out LBW in India’s second innings, he took an incredibly long time to decide on the DRS review. It appeared he signalled for the review after the 15-second timer on the screen had expired. This immediately drew the ire of England captain Ben Stokes, who got into a heated argument with the on-field umpires, arguing that the review should not be allowed as the time was up.
KL Rahul, Jaiswal’s batting partner, also stepped in to clarify. Despite the protests and boos from the Edgbaston crowd, the umpires allowed the review, which ultimately showed “three reds” and confirmed Jaiswal’s dismissal. This sparked a significant debate about the consistency and enforcement of DRS rules.
English crowd booing.
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 4, 2025
Ben Stokes furious. pic.twitter.com/akmVveTGIj
The “Short Boundaries” Speculation
Even before the match began, there was a lot of chatter about the boundary dimensions at Edgbaston. Many observers, including former England pacers, noted that the boundaries seemed unusually short for a Test match, particularly on one side of the ground.
This led to speculation that the ground staff might have intentionally brought in the boundaries to favor England’s aggressive “Bazball” style of play, especially against India’s spin attack. While within ICC regulations, the noticeable difference sparked discussion about home advantage.
Ravindra Jadeja and Ben Stokes “Pitch Tampering” Discussion
On Day 2, there was a verbal exchange between Ravindra Jadeja and Ben Stokes. England’s Chris Woakes reportedly complained to the umpires that Jadeja was stepping on the danger area of the pitch while batting, potentially scuffing it up and making it harder for the England pacers.
Stokes pointed out the marks to Jadeja, to which Jadeja responded by saying he wasn’t intentionally doing it and that his focus was on batting. He even suggested Stokes was creating rough patches with his fast bowlers. This added a bit of spice to the on-field battle.
Rishabh Pant’s Funny Banter with Harry Brook:
Amidst the high-pressure situation, India’s ever-vocal wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant provided a light-hearted moment. When Harry Brook played a particularly unorthodox shot, unexpectedly guiding the ball behind the wicketkeeper, the stump mic caught Pant quipping, “New one. New shot, huh?” This friendly banter between the two players, who shared a smile, was a welcome break from the intense cricketing action.
Shubman Gill’s Marathon Knock and Record-Breaking Feats:
While not controversial or funny, Shubman Gill’s magnificent double century (269) was an incredible and interesting incident in itself. He broke multiple records, becoming the highest individual scorer for India in England, the first Indian captain to score a Test double hundred in England, and surpassing legendary Indian batsmen in various statistical categories. His concentration and dominance for over two days completely deflated the English attack and showcased a truly special innings.
Beyond the Controversy
Day 3 of the India vs England Test at Edgbaston witnessed a thrilling battle between bat and ball, with Harry Brook, Jamie Smith, and Mohammed Siraj taking center stage. England were in deep trouble at 84/5 when Brook and debutant Jamie Smith stitched together a phenomenal 303-run partnership. Brook showed immense maturity with a composed 158, while Smith lit up the ground with a blazing 184* off just 188 balls—his maiden Test century and one of the fastest ever at Edgbaston. Their stand revived England’s hopes and silenced the Indian bowlers for most of the session.
However, once the partnership was broken, Mohammed Siraj launched a fiery comeback for India. He tore through the English tail, finishing with a brilliant 6 for 70, triggering a collapse where six batters were dismissed for ducks. Siraj’s lethal spell ensured India maintained control, despite England’s stunning fightback with the bat.