Smith's Century Roars Barmy Army to Life, Edgbaston Test Grips Fans

Smith's Century Ignites Barmy Army, Silences Bharat Army in Edgbaston Thriller

Jamie Smith's masterful innings captivates English fans.

BIRMINGHAM - Before the series commenced, England men's cricket team's managing director, Rob Key, expressed anticipation for the duel between England's Jamie Smith and India's Rishabh Pant, labeling it "the battle of two entertaining counter-attacking wicketkeepers." On Friday, the atmosphere at the Eric Hollies stand in Edgbaston, renowned for housing the vociferous Barmy Army, underscored Smith's burgeoning status as a cricketing sensation.

The Eric Hollies stand, famously named after the bowler who dismissed Don Bradman for a duck in his final Test innings, erupted in celebration as Smith's aggressive batting display disrupted India's plans.

The Bharat Army, India's dedicated fan group, found themselves struggling to make their voices heard amidst the Barmy Army's enthusiastic support for Smith. Rakesh Patel, a founding member of the Bharat Army, watched as Smith dismantled the Indian bowling attack.

As lunch approached, the mood among the fans shifted. Smith's powerful strokes appeared to dampen the spirits of the Bharat Army, with some even expressing a willingness to settle for a draw, recalling the Headingley Test. England still trailed India by 300 runs after India's 587.

The Barmy Army erupted as Smith swept Ravindra Jadeja for a boundary, marking his century, a pivotal moment in England's innings. The chants echoed through the Eric Hollies Stand.

While Smith doesn't yet have a personalized song like established players such as Joe Root or Ben Stokes, the Barmy Army improvised, directing chants of "You are not singing now!" towards the Bharat Army section.

As play was paused for lunch, Patel stated, "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 in the day, the Barmy Army serenaded, “Harry, Harry Brooook. Harry, Harry Broooook” following the conclusion of a remarkable 303-run partnership for the sixth wicket.