Jamie Smith Stuns with Record-Breaking 174* as England Battles Back in IND vs ENG Test
Jamie Smith Breaks Records with Blistering Century at Edgbaston
You don't often see a 24-year-old shake up the England Test history books, but that's exactly what Jamie Smith did against India at Edgbaston. Walking out with England teetering at 85 for 5 on the third day, most fans would’ve bet on an Indian surge. Instead, Smith launched a counterattack that left the crowd— and some records—stunned.
Smith, England’s wicketkeeper-batter, pieced together the highest Test score ever by an English player in his position: a heroic, unbeaten 174. That effort eclipsed Alec Stewart’s longstanding mark of 173, set all the way back in 1997. But Smith’s fireworks weren’t just about the end tally. He rocketed to his century in only 80 balls—that’s not just quick, it’s now the joint-third fastest century ever struck by an Englishman in Test cricket. To put it in perspective, he leapfrogged over England captain Ben Stokes’ previous place on the list.
His attacking flair brought England back from a nose-dive. Before Smith’s arrival, England’s top order had wilted under relentless Indian bowling, with hopes of a competitive score all but evaporating. The mood changed fast. He combined watchful defense with bold strokeplay, dispatching the spinners over midwicket and taking on the quicks with counterpunches down the ground.
Game-Changing Stand with Brook
Of course, every great Test rescue needs a partner in crime, and Smith found his in Harry Brook. Together, they stitched a mammoth 303-run partnership. Brook, who fell for a gritty 158, provided not just stability, but the time and encouragement for Smith to go big. Their stand transformed England’s mood—from the brink of collapse to a fighting position that gave Indian bowlers and fielders plenty to think about.
The partnership was so dominant that for hours, India’s grip on the game appeared in danger of slipping. Fielders were spread wide, bowlers cycled through, but Smith kept finding ways to score. There was relentless running between wickets, smart rotation of the strike, and occasional clean hitting over the ropes.
Yet, as the final session unfolded, India managed to regroup. Backed by clever captaincy and sharp field placements, their attack gradually slowed the scoring and chipped away at England’s tail. Still, Smith’s unbeaten 174 stood tall—both literally on the scoreboard, and as a moment fans will remember for years.
Records are nice, but in Test cricket, context matters. Smith’s innings wasn’t just fast or flashy; it was gutsy—a sign that England’s next generation might just have the mettle for the toughest fights. The match might swing back India’s way, but Smith’s name is going straight into the record books.