The much-discussed Bazball system was put into full effect on the third morning of the Edgbaston Test between India and England, when the hosts amassed 172 runs for the loss of two wickets.
The big names, Ben Stokes and Joe Root, were the first to be removed after consecutive deliveries against Mohammed Siraj. Jamie Smith and Harry Brook have since caused chaos.
Delivering on his incredible talent! 😍
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Sensational from Jamie Smith! 🙌@IGcom | 🏴 #ENGvIND 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/jJoCMGn89O
Smith was the aggressor as he blasted his way to an 80-ball century, and the duo added 165 runs until lunchtime. In addition to being the first player from his nation to achieve the achievement before lunch in a day’s play without going undefeated overnight, it is the third-fastest Test tonne by an English hitter.
Smith’s daring strokeplay was captivating as he effectively exploited the speedy outfield and flat pitch to blow the Indian attack to pieces. India tried the short ball strategy out of frustration, but it failed miserably as Smith’s innings took off.
Smith’s attack was mostly directed at Prasidh Krishna, who took the brunt of it as the bowler spilt runs everywhere, including a 23-run over in which the wicket-keeper batter destroyed him.
After that, Shubman Gill used spin from both ends in the form of Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja, but even it was unable to stop the run flow. Smith and Brook both took chances to keep the scoreboard moving because the surface wasn’t really helping with turns. Smith’s ability to choose shots and pace his innings with clarity was the best part of his batting.
For a Test hundred achieved under run-a-ball, Smith’s ton had the highest control percentage (92.3), per Cricbuzz. It demonstrates Smith’s perfection even if he scored goals at an absurd strike rate.
A half-chance when Sundar missed a difficult return catch was the only flaw in his knock. The ball was dying on the off-spinner when it was blasted back at him. It eventually slipped by him, and Smith lived.
Despite that opportunity, Smith seemed unwilling to give away his wicket and raised the stakes almost at will. Siraj’s hat-trick ball, the opening ball of his innings, was a self-assured front-foot straight drive that sped to the fence. It was a shot that revealed Smith’s attitude, and his optimism helped Brook calm down after he originally appeared nervous, just like he had done the night before.
England was 249/5 at lunch, 338 runs behind India. This combination is crucial, especially for England if they want to approach India’s total.
