Edgbaston Test: Jamie Smith slams 80-ball ton against India
What's the story
England batter Jamie Smith has raced to his second century in Test cricket. Smith reached the landmark off just 80 balls on Day 3 of the 2nd Test against India at Edgbaston, Birmingham. He added a 303-run stand with Harry Brook after England were down to 84/5 in the morning session. A fitting counter-attack from Smith propelled the hosts to 407.
Knock
Counter-attacking ton from Smith
Indian pacers dominated in the first 30 minutes on Day 3. Mohammed Siraj dismissed a well-set Joe Root and Ben Stokes on successive balls. Smith joined forces with Brook thereafter. While Brook rotated the strike, the former launched his onslaught against Prasidh Krishna. Notably, Smith smacked 4 fours and a six in an over off Krishna. Getting England past 200, Smith completed his ton.
Final score
Smith returns unbeaten
Smith didn't alter his counter-attacking approach following his ton. His free-flowing strokes continued to reduce the deficit. Smith and Brook frustrated the Indian bowlers by taking the total past 380. However, Brook fell to Akash Deep thereafter. With Smith in the middle, England's tail tumbled in the final session. He returned unbeaten on 184 off 207 balls (21 fours and 4 sixes).
Landmark
Joint third-fastest Test ton for England
As per Cricbuzz, Smith slammed the joint third-fastest century for England in Test cricket (by balls faced). He now shares the record with his compatriot Brook, who hammered an 80-ball century against Pakistan in Rawalpindi in 2022. Smith and Brook are only behind Gilbert Jessop (76 balls vs Australia, The Oval, 1902) and Jonny Bairstow (77 balls vs New Zealand, Trent Bridge, 2022).
Records
Other notable records attained by Smith
As per Cricbuzz, Smith has become the fourth-fastest to complete 150 in a Test against India. He is only behind Shahid Afridi (126 balls, Faisalabad, 2006), David Warner (128 balls, WACA, 2012) and Ben Duckett (140 balls, Rajkot, 2024). Besides, Smith is only the second wicket-keeper to score 150 in India-England Tests, joining Budhi Kunderan (192 in Chennai, 1964).
Stats
A look at his Test stats
As mentioned, Smith raced to his second century in Test cricket. His only other Test ton came against Sri Lanka in Manchester last year. With his career-best knock, Smith propelled past 800 runs in the format. In 12 Tests, he has racked up 909 runs at an average of 56.81. Notably, one of his four half-centuries came on his Test debut, last year.