Birmingham, Jul 4 (PTI): Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj took six wickets, while Akash Deep bagged four as India took a first-innings lead of 180 runs by dismissing England for 407 after a strong fight back by their middle-order batters Harry Brook and Jamie Smith on day three of the second Test here on Friday.
At close on day 3, India were 64 for 1 in the second innings -- an overall lead of 244 runs -- with KL Rahul (28 batting) and Karun Nair (7 batting) at the crease. Yashasvi Jaiswal was the only batsman to get out on 28 runs.
Siraj (6/70) struck vital blows in the morning session, dismissing Joe Root (22) and Ben Stokes (0), while Akash Deep (4/88) broke a 303-run partnership between Brook (158) and Smith (184 not out) by getting rid of the former in the post-tea session.
Akash then sent back Chris Woakes for 5 runs to reduce England 395/7, before Siraj wiped out the tail, dismissing Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue and Shoaib Bashir for ducks.
Brief Score:
India 1st innings: 587 all out & 64 for 1 in 13 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 28, KL Rahul 28 batting).
England 1st innings: 407 all out in 89.3 overs (Jamie Smith 184 not out, Harry Brook 158; M Siraj 6/70, Akash Deep 4/88).
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Unnao/Kanpur (UP) (PTI): A 65-year-old umpire died while several players were injured after a swarm of bees attacked them during a cricket match in Unnao district, police said on Thursday.
A top office-bearer of the Kanpur Cricket Association, which organised the game, confirmed the incident that took place at Sapru Maidan in the Shuklaganj area on Wednesday evening.
According to police officials, Manik Gupta from Kanpur was officiating as the umpire of the cricket match when a swarm of bees suddenly attacked the players and officials present on the ground, triggering panic. Players and spectators ran for cover to save themselves.
Eyewitnesses said Gupta sustained serious injuries in the attack and fell unconscious. He was initially taken to a private hospital in Shuklaganj and later referred to Lala Lajpat Rai Hospital in Kanpur as his condition deteriorated. Doctors at this hospital declared him dead.
Another umpire and around 15 to 20 players also suffered bee stings, police said.
In an official confirmation of the incident, S N Singh, president of the Kanpur Cricket Association, told PTI that umpire Manik Gupta died after being attacked by a swarm of bees during a cricket match in Unnao.
When Gupta was being rushed to the hospital, bees were still clinging to his face and body, Singh said, underscoring the intensity of the attack.
He conveyed heartfelt condolences on behalf of the association, stating that it stands firmly with the bereaved family in this hour of grief.
