Jamie Smith’s blazing century turned the tide for England on Day 3 at Edgbaston. Relive 5 unforgettable moments where Smith and Brook dominated India’s bowlers.
Mohammed Siraj Silences Critics with Double Blow
The Edgbaston Test’s third day got off to a dramatic start. Mohammed Siraj faced a hostile English crowd after aborting his run-up twice, drawing sarcastic applause. But Siraj, unfazed, turned jeers into cheers for India in spectacular style. Within three balls, he dismissed Joe Root and Ben Stokes in back-to-back deliveries. Root’s subtle shuffle towards the stumps betrayed him as an innocuous delivery clipped his inside edge. Rishabh Pant’s lightning reflexes sealed the catch.
Ben Stokes, stepping in at No. 5, lasted only one ball as Siraj unleashed a venomous delivery. Stokes’ defensive push proved futile as the ball ricocheted off his bat’s splice and into Pant’s gloves. England, reeling at 84/5, seemed destined for collapse.
Jamie Smith Steps Up Under Fire
At this fragile juncture, Smith walked in with purpose. England needed a savior, and Jamie Smith delivered. Displaying a fearless mix of composure and aggression, he began to dismantle India’s momentum. His innings weren’t just resistance; it was a counterattack that forced India onto the back foot.
Partnering with Harry Brook, Smith built a fortress around England’s innings. Smith replied with strength and targeted India’s spinners with planned intensity, while Brook skillfully worked the gaps.
Jamie Smith’s Record-Breaking Feat Before Lunch
In Test matches against India, he became just the second hitter after AB de Villiers to get a hundred before noon. His century also tied the third-fastest century in England’s Test history.
He transformed a possible defeat into an exciting match in a single session. His blazing strokes, which included cut smashes, lofted drives, and powerful pulls, left fielders reeling and Indian bowlers perplexed.
Missed Chance: India’s Turning Point Lost
India could have prevented Jamie Smith’s tirade. Smith mistimed a Ravindra Jadeja delivery in the 37th over, slipping it. Despite being in the ideal position, Shubman Gill miscalculated the pace and allowed the ball to strike his helmet. It was a costly lapse, as Smith capitalized, piling on runs with disdain.
While Jamie Smith and Brook were able to strengthen their relationship, this missed opportunity revealed India’s waning intensity.
Can India Regain Control, or Will Jamie Smith Dominate?
By the session’s end, Jamie Smith stood unbeaten, his bat a symbol of defiance. Alongside Brook, he stitched together a partnership that resurrected England from the brink. Their synergy turned India’s early dominance into a test of endurance.
India’s bowlers struggled to find answers. The belated introduction of spin and lack of fielding sharpness left Gill’s men on the defensive. Unless Jamie Smith’s wicket falls early on Day 4, England could even dream of surpassing India’s massive total.
Partnering with Harry Brook, Jamie Smith built a fortress around England’s innings. While Brook worked the gaps with elegance, Smith countered with power, targeting India’s spinners with calculated ferocity.
Jamie Smith is an emerging English cricketer known for his aggressive batting and sharp wicketkeeping skills. Born on July 12, 2000, Smith plays for Surrey in county cricket and has quickly gained recognition for his fearless stroke play under pressure. His maiden Test century against India at Edgbaston showcased his ability to dominate world-class bowling attacks. With a calm temperament and natural flair, Jamie Smith is widely regarded as one of England’s brightest young talents, poised for a long and impactful international career.
