The Edgbaston Test 2025 witnessed a fierce counterattack from Jamie Smith, who scored a sensational 80-ball century to drag England back into the contest against India. At lunch on Day 3, England reached 249 for 5, still trailing by 338 runs in the second Test.
Siraj’s Early Strikes Spark Hope for India
India began the session with momentum. Mohammed Siraj dismissed Joe Root and Ben Stokes on consecutive balls. Root tickled one down the leg side to Rishabh Pant, while Stokes received a vicious short ball that clipped his gloves. England slipped to 84 for 5, staring at a massive 503-run deficit.
Jamie Smith Hundred Sparks Counterattack
Walking in to face a hat-trick delivery, Jamie Smith drove Siraj confidently for four. From that moment, the tempo shifted. Partnering with Harry Brook, Smith unleashed a breathtaking counterattack. Their stand reached 165 off just 154 balls, with Smith racing to his second Test century in only 80 deliveries—England’s joint-third fastest in Tests.
Jamie Smith smashes a brilliant 184 vs India in the 2nd Test — sensational knock!
— wicketbuzz (@wicketbuzz) July 4, 2025
📸 Getty #JamieSmith #INDvsENG #TestCricket #EnglandCricket #CricketHighlights #WicketBuzz #MatchMoment #CricketUpdates #Smith184 #RedBallCricket pic.twitter.com/zDJeYQa41I
Brook Supports as Smith Goes Big
Harry Brook began cautiously but soon responded to Smith’s aggression. His innings gathered pace as boundaries flowed from both ends. Brook reached 91* by the break, overshadowed slightly by the brilliance of Jamie Smith’s hundred.
A brutal over against Prasidh Krishna saw Smith collect 23 runs, including four boundaries and a towering six. When England needed a response, he delivered it with confidence and flair.
India Still Ahead Despite Onslaught
Although England dominated the session, India maintain a strong overall lead. However, Shubman Gill’s continued use of short-ball tactics through Prasidh Krishna raised eyebrows, especially as Smith punished that approach.
Smith completed his century just before the interval, lifting Jadeja down the ground and then crunching a shot through midwicket. The crowd erupted as he and Brook walked off with a growing partnership and rising hopes.
