Jamie Smith's explosive century ignited a stunning England fightback against India on Day 3 of the second Test at Edgbaston. Walking in at 84 for 5, with England still trailing India by a massive 503 runs, Smith launched a blistering counter-attack, reaching his century in just 80 balls. This is the joint third-fastest Test century by an English batter, equaling Harry Brook's effort against Pakistan in 2022. Only Gilbert Jessop (76 balls in 1902) and Ian Botham (86 balls) have reached the milestone quicker for England.
England's innings had earlier imploded after India posted a formidable 587. Mohammed Siraj struck twice in the second over of the day, removing Joe Root and Ben Stokes with successive deliveries. Root edged one down the leg side to Rishabh Pant, while Stokes was undone by a brutal short ball that brushed his glove. This left England in dire straits, with three of their top six dismissed for a duck, only the second time this has happened in England's history.
Smith's arrival at the crease, facing a hat-trick ball, marked a turning point. He calmly drove the first ball he faced for four and then began his assault. He found a willing partner in Harry Brook, who was already at the crease overnight. Together, they combined for a remarkable 165-run partnership off just 154 balls for the sixth wicket, shifting the momentum back towards England. At lunch on Day 3, England had recovered to 249 for 5, with Smith unbeaten on 102 and Brook on 91.
Smith's innings was characterized by aggressive strokeplay and fearless intent. He particularly targeted Prasidh Krishna, smashing him for multiple boundaries in one over. One over from Krishna cost 23 runs as Smith unleashed a barrage of fours and sixes. Smith reached his fifty off just 43 balls, the fastest half-century of the series so far. He then took on the spinners, driving Washington Sundar through the covers and launching Ravindra Jadeja down the ground. His century came just before the lunch break, prompting a standing ovation from the Edgbaston crowd.
While Smith slowed down a bit after reaching his century, he continued to score at a healthy rate. His counter-attacking innings not only rescued England from a precarious position but also injected fresh energy into the match.
Earlier in the match, India had dominated proceedings, with Shubman Gill scoring a magnificent 269. Gill's innings, the highest-ever Test score by an Indian batter in England, propelled India to a commanding total. Ravindra Jadeja and Yashasvi Jaiswal also contributed with solid scores. However, England's bowlers fought back to restrict India.
Despite Gill's double century, England managed to take three wickets before the close of play on Day 2, giving themselves a glimmer of hope. However, the early wickets on Day 3 threatened to derail their innings completely before Smith's intervention.
Smith's innings has given England renewed hope of mounting a serious challenge to India's total. With Brook also approaching a century, the pair will be looking to continue their partnership and further reduce the deficit. However, India's bowlers will be determined to strike back and regain control of the match.
