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Jamie Smith Breaks 28-Year-Old English Record With Stunning Knock Vs India At Edgbaston

Anurag Dasgupta

Jamie Smith creates record [Source: AP Photo] Jamie Smith creates record [Source: AP Photo]

Jamie Smith played arguably his greatest Test innings on Friday as the England batter smacked a brilliant counter-attacking century to push India on the back-foot. When Smith came out to bat, England had lost 5 wickets for less than 100 and they needed repair work as Smith, alongside Harry Brook tore apart the Indian attack.

They calculated the assault as England's number 5 and 7 batted with aggression as the Indian bowling attack without Jasprit Bumrah lacked control and looked wayward as the keeper-batter, Smith raced away to a 80-ball century, the joint-third fastest by an English player. His innings was filled with some extravagant shots as he also breached the 150-run mark and when the keeper reached 174, he created history and etched his name in history books.

Jamie Smith surpasses Alec Stewart in historic Test milestone

In English history, Alec Stewart has the highest score registered by a keeper in Test cricket. His 28-year-old was broken by Smith who now holds the record for the highest score by an English wicket-keeper. 

Stewart achieved the feat in 1997 against New Zealand at Auckland when he smacked the Kiwis to attain the massive feat. However, since then, no keeper was able to break the record, until Smith arrived. The Surrey batter also has a chance to become the first English keeper to score a Test double century.

Highest Test score by England wicket-keepers

Players
Score
Opponent
Jamie Smith
Alec Stewart
173New Zealand
Jonny Bairstow167*Sri Lanka
Alec Stewart164South Africa
Jos Buttler152Pakistan

Smith now sits at the top with 174 to his name, and forgotten English keeper-batter, Jonny Bairstow occupies the third spot as he slammed a brilliant unbeaten 167 against Sri Lanka. Stewart once again makes the cut as he also hammered 164 against the Proteas and Jos Buttler, who is primarily known for his white-ball exploits has the fifth highest score by an English keeper.

Smith's stunning innings is also the third highest by any keeper against India in Tests. Andy Flower occupies the top 2 spot and now Smith has entered the list as well.