Jamie Smith was the toast of Edgbaston on Friday as he created two pieces of Test history.
The Surrey wicket-keeper and batsman came to England’s rescue in a timely manner with the hosts wobbling on 84-5 after India had posted a first-innings total of 587.
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Smith joined Harry Brook at the crease with Mohammed Siraj on a hat-trick but showed no signs of nerves before leading an almighty fightback.
The 24-year-old wowed fans with a selection of boundaries of seam and spin before joining Brook on joint-third in the roll of honour for the all-time fastest hundred for England.
Smith’s heroic century came off just 80 balls to register the quickest Test century ever recorded at Edgbaston.
The milestones didn’t stop there.
Smith’s ton handed him the tag of the quickest Test century for an Englishman against India.
If there was any doubt over whether Smith was the best in his position then he answered it emphatically.
His partnership with Brook took England to 355-5 at tea to leave the hosts in a far more encouraging position compared to the start of the day’s play.
Brook went on to reach his ninth Test century in the first half hour of the afternoon session as England clawed their way back into the match and reached 150 shortly after tea. However, he was bowled out by Akash Deep for 158.
Brook began the day on 30, but was lifted by his collaboration with Smith and hit 60 off 72.
His century came in a slower time than Smith as he smashed his way to three figures of 137 balls.
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However, Brook is now the second quickest England player to hit nine test centuries behind Denis Compton.
India had threatened to run away for the second Test when Siraj got the better of Ben Stokes and Joe Root with successive deliveries in just the second over of the match.
Root appeared disappointed at banking just 22 runs while skipper Stokes fared even worse having been bowled out for a golden duck.
But the tourists found their momentum ebbing away as they headed for lunch with a lead of 338.
With room to reassert themselves after lunch India were still in the ascendancy but Smith and Brook’s incredible partnership has given India plenty of food for thought as they desperately chase a key wicket.
England lead the series 1-0 after their first Test victory at Headingley last week.
