Jamie Smith's Edgbaston Blitz Silences India as Barmy Army Roars in Second Test

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

England's rising star, Jamie Smith, has revitalized the Barmy Army, England's dedicated fan base, reigniting their passionate chants against the Bharat Army, their Indian counterparts.

BIRMINGHAM: Before the series commenced, Rob Key, England's men's cricket team's managing director, expressed his anticipation to see how England's wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith would measure up against India's Rishabh Pant. He framed it as a compelling "battle of two entertaining counter-attacking wicketkeepers" and highlighted it as a pivotal match-up.

On Friday, the atmosphere within the Eric Hollies Stand at Edgbaston, renowned for housing the boisterous Barmy Army, underscored Smith's emergence as a cricketing sensation. Notably, the Eric Hollies Stand carries historical significance, commemorating Eric Hollies' dismissal of Don Bradman for a duck in his final innings, preventing Bradman from reaching a Test average of 100. The stand erupted in celebration as Smith's explosive performance disrupted India's plans.

While the Bharat Army, the dedicated Indian cricket fan group, began to rally, Rakesh Patel, its founding member, watched as the Eric Hollies stand vibrated with excitement, propelled by Smith's relentless assault on the Indian bowling attack.

As lunch approached, the conversations among the rival fan groups shifted in unexpected directions. Smith's powerful strokes appeared to dampen the spirits of the Bharat Army, with some even conceding they would accept a draw. Memories of the Headingley Test were still vivid. As Smith swept Ravindra Jadeja for a century, a defining moment in England's recent cricket history, the Barmy Army erupted in jubilation.

Although they lack a personalized song for Smith, unlike established players such as Joe Root, Ben Stokes, and Harry Brook, his performance inspired improvisation. Turning towards the Bharat Army section, they chanted, "You are not singing now!"

Despite the escalating rivalry, Rakesh Patel emphasized the shared values of both fan groups, assuring that boundaries would be respected, with any emotional excesses being reined in by the community.

Following Smith's impactful morning session, the Barmy Army enthusiastically chanted "Harry, Harry Brooook," after the impressive sixth-wicket partnership concluded.