Smith's Century, Barmy Army's Roar Overshadow Bharat Army in Edgbaston Test Thriller

England's Jamie Smith plays a shot on day three of the second Test. (AP Photo)

Jamie Smith's explosive batting display not only energized the Barmy Army, but also shifted the momentum in England's favor during the second Test against India at Edgbaston.

Before the series commenced, England's managing director, Rob Key, highlighted the potential showdown between Jamie Smith and his Indian counterpart, Rishabh Pant, framing it as "the battle of two entertaining counter-attacking wicketkeepers."

On Friday, the atmosphere at the Eric Hollies stand, renowned for housing the boisterous Barmy Army, underscored Smith's burgeoning status as a cricketing sensation. The 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 innings disrupted India's dominance.

While the Bharat Army, the Indian cricket fan group, was present, their chants were largely subdued by Smith's onslaught. Rakesh Patel, a founding member of the Bharat Army, could only watch as the Eric Hollies stand reverberated with the cheers of the Barmy Army.

As Smith dominated the game, conversations among fans took an interesting turn. The power of Smith's strokes seemed to dampen the spirits of the Bharat Army supporters, with some even expressing a willingness to accept a draw, haunted by memories of the Headingley horror. At that point, England were still 300 runs behind India's first innings score of 587.

The turning point arrived when Smith swept Ravindra Jadeja for a boundary, reaching a century that will go down as one of the most captivating and significant in recent England cricket history. The Barmy Army erupted in celebration.

Although they lack a dedicated song for Smith, unlike established players such as Joe Root, Ben Stokes, and Harry Brook, they improvised, directing a playful taunt towards the Bharat Army section: "You are not singing now!"

As lunch approached, Patel acknowledged the passionate rivalry but emphasized the mutual respect between the fan groups. "There could be one or two who may get swayed emotionally but they are pulled back by the rest of the pack.”

Later, the Barmy Army serenaded Harry Brook after the sixth-wicket partnership.