England’s wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith played a brilliant counter-attacking knock under pressure, scoring a fantastic century to keep his side alive in the second Test against India.
Replying to India’s mammoth total of 587, England were in deep trouble early on, losing quick wickets. Half of the team was back in the dressing room with just 84 runs on the board.
When captain Ben Stokes fell, the hosts looked completely rattled, with the Indian bowlers dominating proceedings. But Smith walked in and shifted the momentum alongside Harry Brook.
Despite the pressure, Smith remained unfazed. Instead of going into a shell, he began taking on the Indian attack with aggressive intent.
At lunch on Day Three, Smith and Brook had stitched together a remarkable unbeaten 165-run stand off just 154 balls. Smith reached his second Test century, remaining not out on 102 off just 82 balls, hitting 14 fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 124.39. Brook provided solid support, staying unbeaten on 91 off 127 deliveries, with 11 boundaries and a six.
Smith’s ton was not just impactful—it was historic. His 100 came off just 80 balls, making it the joint-third fastest Test century by an England batter in terms of balls faced.
Interestingly, the record was previously matched by his partner Harry Brook, who also scored a century off 80 balls against Pakistan in Rawalpindi in 2022.
This knock also marked a rare milestone: it is the first time in 14 years that an England wicketkeeper has scored a Test century against India. The last instance was Matt Prior’s unbeaten 103 at Lord’s in 2011.
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