Edgbaston Erupts: Jamie Smith's Century Silences India as Barmy Army Roars

England's Jamie Smith plays a shot on day three of the second Test. (AP Photo)

Jamie Smith's explosive batting display not only propelled England's fightback but also rejuvenated the Barmy Army, drowning out the voices of the Bharat Army in a captivating Edgbaston Test.

BIRMINGHAM: Ahead of the series, England's managing director Rob Key highlighted the potential showdown between England's Jamie Smith and India's Rishabh Pant, anticipating a thrilling contest between two dynamic, counter-attacking wicketkeepers. And Smith certainly delivered on that promise.

On Friday, the atmosphere at the Eric Hollies stand, renowned for housing the vociferous Barmy Army, provided ample evidence of Smith's burgeoning status as a cricketing sensation. This stand, forever etched in history for witnessing Don Bradman's only duck in Test cricket, erupted in celebration as Smith's aggressive innings disrupted India's plans.

The Bharat Army, India's passionate fan base, had arrived ready to support their team.

However, Rakesh Patel, a founding member of the Bharat Army, could only watch as Smith dismantled the Indian bowling attack, sending the Eric Hollies stand into a frenzy.

As lunch approached, the mood among the fans shifted noticeably.

Smith's powerful strokes appeared to dampen the spirits of the Bharat Army, with some even suggesting they would accept a draw. The memory of the Headingley Test defeat was still fresh. England still trailed India by 300 runs, but a palpable change swept through the home crowd.

When Smith swept Ravindra Jadeja for a boundary to reach his century – a knock that will be remembered as one of the most entertaining and vital in recent English cricket history – the Barmy Army erupted in joyous celebration. Their chants reached an almost deafening pitch in the Eric Hollies Stand.

While they lack a dedicated song for Smith, unlike established players like Joe Root, Ben Stokes, or Harry Brook, Smith's performance inspired improvisation. Turning towards the Bharat Army section, they sang, "You are not singing now!"

As the players headed for lunch, Patel acknowledged the passionate rivalry, stating, "It gets nasty by day-end. But both sets of fans have set values. No one crosses the line. There could be one or two who may get swayed emotionally but they are pulled back by the rest of the pack.”

Later, after the remarkable 303-run partnership with Brook ended, the Barmy Army broke into their now famous “Harry, Harry Brooook. Harry, Harry Broooook” chant.