Smith Century Fuels England's Fightback Against India as Barmy Army Taunts Silent Bharat Army

Smith's Century Ignites Barmy Army as England Battles India in Edgbaston Thriller

England's Jamie Smith during his impressive innings.

BIRMINGHAM – Before the series commenced, Rob Key, the Managing Director of England Men's Cricket, highlighted Jamie Smith as a player to watch, anticipating a compelling contest between him and India's Rishabh Pant. Key predicted "the battle of two entertaining counter-attacking wicketkeepers," and Smith certainly delivered on that promise.

The atmosphere at the Eric Hollies Stand, renowned for housing the boisterous Barmy Army, provided the perfect backdrop for Smith's explosive performance. The stand, named after Eric Hollies, who famously dismissed Don Bradman for a duck in his final innings, erupted in celebration as Smith's aggressive batting disrupted India's plans.

While the Bharat Army, the Indian cricket fan group, arrived ready to support their team, Rakesh Patel, a founding member, could only watch as Smith dismantled the Indian bowling attack.

Conversations among fans reflected the shifting momentum. The impactful blows from Smith's bat 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 were still fresh, highlighting the fragility of their hopes. England remained 300 runs behind India's imposing 587 when a palpable shift in the mood of the England fans became undeniable.

As Smith swept Ravindra Jadeja through mid-wicket to reach his century – a defining moment in England's recent cricket history – the Barmy Army exploded in jubilation. Their chants reached deafening levels in the Eric Hollies Stand.

Though lacking a dedicated song for Smith, unlike established players such as Joe Root, Ben Stokes, and Harry Brook, the Barmy Army improvised, turning towards the Bharat Army section and taunting, "You are not singing now!"

As lunch approached, Patel acknowledged the escalating intensity, 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, following the end of the remarkable 303-run partnership for the sixth wicket, the Barmy Army serenaded, “Harry, Harry Brooook. Harry, Harry Broooook.”