After Afridi and Warner, Smith sets epic record vs India

NEW DELHI: Jamie Smith stood gangly and delivered erstwhile England were staring down the barrel. Walking successful with his squad reeling astatine 84/5, the wicketkeeper-batter produced a counterattacking masterclass to slam an unbeaten 150 (innings ongoing) and propulsion England retired of a precarious concern connected Day 3 of the 2nd Test against India astatine Edgbaston.Smith, conscionable 24, partnered Harry Brook to spark a sensational fightback, embracing the Bazball attack successful afloat flow. With Joe Root (22) and Ben Stokes (0) dismissed successful speedy succession, Smith arrived nether unit but responded with fearless intent and exquisite strokeplay.

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He reached his 150 disconnected conscionable 144 deliveries — the fifth-fastest by an England batter successful Test history. Only Harry Brook (115 balls), Ben Stokes (135), Ben Duckett (140), and Ollie Pope (142) person been quicker.

Against India, Smith present holds the fourth-fastest 150 successful Tests, down lone Shahid Afridi (126 balls, 2006), David Warner (128, 2012), and Duckett (140, 2024).FASTEST TO 150 IN TESTS FOR ENGLAND (BY BALLS TAKEN):

Smith besides brought up his period successful conscionable 80 balls — equalling the third-fastest Test 100 by an England batter, alongside Brook’s effort against Pakistan successful 2022. He overtook Stokes’ 85-ball ton against New Zealand astatine Lord’s successful 2015.

Only Gilbert Jessop (76 balls vs Australia, 1902) and Jonny Bairstow (77 balls vs New Zealand, 2022) person scored faster centuries for England successful the format.Deprived of Jasprit Bumrah’s firepower, the Indian bowling onslaught struggled to incorporate Smith’s free-flowing innings. He swept and drove with confidence, peppering the bound ropes and turning the tide of the match.