Birmingham, July 4 (UNI) England’s Jamie Smith etched his name in the record books today, becoming the first English batsman to score over 100 runs in a single session before lunch without being unbeaten overnight, where data is available. His dazzling hundred came in just 80 balls, making it one of the fastest in England’s Test history.
Coming in under pressure against India in the second Test at Edgbaston, Smith counter-attacked with flair and aggression. His century was brought up in style, sweeping Ravindra Jadeja through midwicket for a boundary as teammates and fans rose in applause. Smith’s composed yet fearless innings neutralised India’s short-ball strategy and spin challenge with equal ease.
Smith’s effort ties him with Harry Brook for the third-fastest century in terms of balls faced by an Englishman in Tests. The full list is led by Gilbert Jessop’s iconic 76-ball ton at The Oval in 1902. Smith joins an elite group that includes Jonny Bairstow (77 balls), Brook (80 balls), and Ben Stokes (85 balls).
Meanwhile, Brook continued his golden run in Test cricket, registering his ninth century in just his 27th Test. The 25-year-old reached the landmark with a stylish boundary off Prasidh Krishna, guiding the ball past gully. He looked skyward in gratitude, celebrating yet another milestone in what is turning into a remarkable career.
Brook’s feat places him among England’s fastest to nine Test hundreds, only behind Denis Compton (37 innings), Herbert Sutcliffe (43), and ahead of legends like Wally Hammond and Michael Vaughan.
As England builds on this commanding platform, the twin tons by Smith and Brook highlight a generational shift in the team’s batting strength and aggressive mindset.
