England a laughing stock after creating ‘crazy' history
That's right ... in their first innings of the second Test against India, six of England's batters made ducks, while two players made scores of more than 150 before their team was all out for 407.
Harry Brook hailed Jamie Smith's 'phenomenal' talent after sharing a mammoth stand of 303 with England's latest record-breaker.
The pair moved mountains together as they attempted to drag their side back into contention on Day 3 of the Edgbaston Test, coming together at 5-84 and conjuring a spectacular fightback.
Brook made 158 as he brought up the ninth century of his Test career, with Smith smiting a sensational 184 not out.
That was the highest ever score by an England No.7 and an England wicketkeeper, pinching the latter record from his Surrey mentor Alec Stewart.
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Remarkably their efforts were not enough to keep the hosts on an even keel, India ending the day with a lead of 244 and nine wickets in hand.
Outside of Brook and Smith, Joe Root with just 22 was England's next best score.
The scorecard has never been seen before and cricket fans far and wide mocked the hosts, who were facing an Indian attack without their No.1 man Jasprit Bumrah.
Social media account Duck Academy said: 'Six beautiful ducks in one innings - the Duck Academy hearts are full today!'
While another fan noted: 'England's scorecard reminded me of me and the boys splitting a bill to pay.'
Another fan blasted: 'Crazy scorecard!!'
And another: 'TBH if you take out Smith and Brook, it rivals the absolute worst batting I've seen from an England lineup. This is a good pitch and not the best India attack you'll see, yet we've managed 46 runs from the other 9 players.'
And another: 'A unique yet a very unfortunate stat to have
And another: 'Maybe some of his mates could add a bit of support. 6 ducks is an absolute joke!
Of course, England's controversial 'Bazball' strategy again came under fire as well.
'Median score of 0. Top order out for a pittance ??? ... Post 407 ... Profit ... I love bazball,' one fan said on Reddit.
While another remarked: 'This is Bazball ladies and gents ....'
Another bout of fourth-innings heroics will now be needed to stop the tourists squaring the series 1-1 over the next two days, but Brook was buoyed by Smith's eye-catching contribution.
'It was good fun being out there with Smudge. He's a phenomenal player and it felt good to be out there, putting on 300 with him,' he said.
'The way that he came out of the blocks and put the pressure back on their bowlers was awesome. He tried to change the momentum back in our favour and it worked for a long period of time. It's one he should be proud of.' England's Harry Brook acknowledges the applause from the crowd following his 158 against India. Credit: AAP
To no great surprise, there is no suggestion whatsoever from the England camp that a draw, and preserving their series lead, would be an acceptable outcome with the odds stacked against them.
For a side who chased 378 on the same ground against the same opponents three years ago, as well as 371 in the first Test at Headingley, that can hardly go down as a surprise.
'I think everybody in the world knows that we're going to try and chase whatever they set us,' said Brook.
Brook may have taken second billing to his partner on the day but he batted with a tangible sense of purpose after being dismissed for 99 in the series opener.
'I was definitely hungry to get 100 today. I'd never been out in the 90s before in my life, so it was disappointing,' he said.
Should India finish the job and leave Birmingham with a win, they will have much to thank Mohammed Siraj for. He took 6-70, including Root and Ben Stokes off consecutive balls at the start of the day and three tailenders in quick succession at the end.
With Bumrah rested this week, he took the chance to fill the void left by the star seamer.
'I have been bowling well but not getting wickets, so getting six here is very special,' he said.
'When you are asked to lead the attack I love responsibility, I love the challenge.'
- With AP
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