Smith’s Stunning 184* Leads Remarkable England Fightback
Jamie Smith produced one of Test cricket’s great rescue acts, smashing an unbeaten 184 to haul England back from the brink against India at Edgbaston. The 24-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman walked in facing a hat-trick ball with England reeling at 84-5, still trailing by over 500 runs.
What followed was pure magic. Smith launched his counterattack immediately, driving Mohammed Siraj’s hat-trick delivery for four. He raced to his century in just 80 balls – the joint-third fastest by an Englishman in Test history. His fearless batting transformed the match completely.
Record Partnership Stuns India
Smith found the perfect partner in Harry Brook, who compiled a superb 158. Together they added 303 runs for the sixth wicket, England’s third-highest partnership for that wicket against India. Brook reached his ninth Test century and first against India, while Smith surpassed his previous best score by some distance.
The partnership left India’s bowlers searching for answers. Prasidh Krishna’s short-ball tactics backfired spectacularly when Smith plundered 23 runs from a single over, including four boundaries and a towering six over fine leg. Even India’s spinners couldn’t stem the flow of runs.
From Disaster to Hope
England’s morning had started terribly. Siraj removed Joe Root and Ben Stokes in consecutive deliveries, leaving the hosts in tatters. Stokes fell for a golden duck – his first in Test cricket – after a vicious lifter caught his gloves. At that moment, few gave England any chance.
But Smith’s fearless approach changed everything. He reached his fifty from just 43 balls and barely slowed down thereafter. His innings featured 23 boundaries and showed maturity beyond his years. By stumps, England had reached 407 all out, cutting India’s lead to a manageable 180.
While India still hold the advantage, Smith’s heroics have given England a fighting chance. His knock will be remembered as one of the great innings played under pressure. For Indian fans, it’s a reminder that Test cricket can turn quickly. The match remains delicately poised heading into day four.
