India Vs England, 2nd Test: Jamie Smith Smashes Third Joint-fastest Century For ENG

Jamie Smith produced a stunning counterattacking century to breathe life into England’s innings on Day 3 of the second Test against India at Edgbaston. Coming in with his side in deep trouble at 84 for 5 after Mohammed Siraj’s fiery double blow — which removed Joe Root and Ben Stokes off successive deliveries — Smith joined forces with Harry Brook to stage a remarkable fightback.

In a display of fearless strokeplay, Smith hammered the Indian attack to all corners of the ground. His onslaught was particularly brutal against Prasidh Krishna, whom he took for 4 fours and a six in a single over, shifting the momentum firmly back towards England.

Follow India Vs England Live Cricket Score, 2nd Test Day 3

With Brook playing the perfect foil, rotating the strike and holding one end steady, Smith unleashed his array of crisp drives and powerful pulls to race to his second Test century.

Smith’s landmark ton came off just 80 balls, making it the joint third-fastest century by an England batter in Test history. He now shares the spot with Jonny Bairstow, who reached the mark in 77 balls against New Zealand in 2022, and Harry Brook, who also got there in 80 balls against Pakistan the same year.

The record still belongs to GL Jessop, whose legendary 76-ball hundred came against Australia way back in 1902.

By the time the pair had added over 150 runs for the sixth wicket, England had surged past 200, turning what looked like a one-sided morning into a gripping contest. Smith’s innings not only marked his second Test ton — his first came against Sri Lanka in Manchester last year — but also took him past 800 runs in just 12 Tests at an average above 50.

Impressively, one of his four half-centuries had come on debut last year, underlining his growing stature in the England side.