England’s young wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith turned the tide on Day 3 of the second Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Edgbaston with a fearless and record-breaking century. Riding high on the momentum from Prasidh Krishna’s expensive over—where he smashed 23 runs—Smith shifted gears and took India’s bowling apart with a stunning counterattack.
Walking in at a critical juncture with England reeling from early strikes, Smith didn’t just steady the ship—he launched a full-fledged assault. His hundred came in just 80 balls, a knock laced with authority, elegance, and aggressive strokeplay. It was a statement innings—one that sent the Edgbaston crowd into raptures and revived England’s hopes in a match they were beginning to lose grip on.
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The 24-year-old’s landmark came via a powerful sweep shot against Ravindra Jadeja, piercing the midwicket gap to reach his maiden Test century in spectacular fashion. With that shot, Smith etched his name into the record books—he equaled Harry Brook’s record for the third-fastest Test century by an England batter. Only Gilbert Jessop (76 balls in 1902) and Jonny Bairstow (77 balls in 2022) have scored quicker hundreds for England in the format.
What made Smith’s innings more special was the context. Facing an Indian attack brimming with confidence after reducing England to 84/5, Smith brought flair and fight. He tackled India’s pace with calculated aggression and neutralized the spin threat with clever footwork and placement.
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By the lunch break, he stood unbeaten on 102 off 82 balls, striking 14 boundaries and three sixes. He and Harry Brook (91*) had already stitched a 165-run partnership that put India on the back foot. Social media erupted in praise, drawing comparisons between Smith and India’s own flamboyant wicketkeeper, Rishabh Pant. Some fans even dubbed him “England’s Pant” for his fearless brand of cricket, while others warned India of another Headingley-like twist if Smith wasn’t dismissed soon after lunch.
So jamie smith is their rishabh pant?
— 🍷. (@PrajaktaSharma8) July 4, 2025
Jamie Smith is Doing What Rishabh pant do for India With classic batting 🫡
— CricSumit (@Sumit0198189133) July 4, 2025
Pant was able to fool masses that he was someone great, when in reality, it’s jamie Smith who is generational talent
Absolutely stunning knock 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/0V4Cur45iu— Honest Rishabh Pant Fan (@PR_master_Pant) July 4, 2025
Not sure whether it was worst bowling by India to Jamie Smith or if it is Jamie Smith’s inner Rishabh Pant shining out. #INDvsENG #EdgbastonTest #TendulkarAndersonTrophy
— Eswar (@EswarPillai) July 4, 2025
How can jamie Smith be pant?
— msc (@Ruhig_scheinen) July 4, 2025
At this rate, Jamie Smith isn’t stopping before a double hundred. Man’s playing a Test like it’s the IPL. Mark my words 200 loading today. pic.twitter.com/qMoQLLD27C
— Raw Takes Only (@rawtakesonly) July 4, 2025
Jamie Smith is playing a different game! 3 sixes, 14 fours — that’s pure destruction.#ENGVSIND
— Sports Analyst (@SportsAnalyst43) July 4, 2025
Jamie Smith walked in at 84/5 with Siraj breathing fire. India all over England. And he played like he is been doing this for years calm, fearless, classy. A Second Test 💯 under pressure. What a knock. What a statement. Remember the name.
— Cricket for her (@coverdrivetoher) July 4, 2025
Notably, Jamie Smith became the first England batter to score over 100 runs in a single session before lunch without being unbeaten overnight. He also now holds the record for the fastest century by an England wicketkeeper in Test history—a knock that could well define this Test match.
