Smith's Century Roars Barmy Army into Life, Silences Bharat Army in Edgbaston Test Thriller

Smith's Century Ignites Barmy Army, Silences Bharat Army at Edgbaston

England's Jamie Smith showcases his skills at the crease.

BIRMINGHAM - Before the series commenced, Rob Key, the managing director of the England men's cricket team, highlighted the potential showdown between England's wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith and his Indian counterpart, Rishabh Pant. He anticipated "the battle of two entertaining counter-attacking wicketkeepers," a match-up that promised excitement.

On Friday, the atmosphere at the Eric Hollies stand, renowned for housing the boisterous Barmy Army, underscored why Smith is rapidly becoming a cricketing sensation. The stand, famously named after the bowler who dismissed Don Bradman for a duck in his final innings, erupted in celebration as Smith's aggressive batting disrupted India's plans.

The Bharat Army, the vocal Indian cricket fan group, found themselves struggling to make their presence felt. Rakesh Patel, a founding member, could only watch as Smith dismantled the Indian bowling attack, much to the delight of the Eric Hollies stand.

As lunch approached, the mood among the fans shifted. Smith's powerful strokes seemed to dampen the spirits of the Bharat Army, with some even expressing a willingness to settle for a draw, memories of the Headingley horror still fresh. England still trailed India's imposing 587-run total by 300 runs when the atmosphere took a turn.

When Smith swept Ravindra Jadeja through mid-wicket to reach his century, one of the most captivating and pivotal centuries in recent English cricket, the Barmy Army erupted in jubilation. Their familiar chants reached an ear-splitting crescendo in the Eric Hollies Stand.

While they are yet to compose a dedicated song for Smith, unlike established players such as Joe Root, Ben Stokes, or Harry Brook, Smith's performance provided ample material for improvisation. They turned towards the Bharat Army section and taunted, “You are not singing now!”

As the lunch break was announced, Patel acknowledged, “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.”

Following Smith's exploits in the morning session, the Barmy Army serenaded Harry Brook with "Harry, Harry Brooook. Harry, Harry Broooook" after the remarkable sixth-wicket, 303-run partnership came to an end.