Jamie Smith Matches Quinton de Kock's Record in Test Cricket

In a remarkable achievement, England's Jamie Smith has equaled Quinton de Kock's record for the fastest 1000 runs by a wicketkeeper in Test cricket. Accomplishing this feat in just 21 innings during the ongoing Test match at Lord's, Smith's performance has placed him alongside De Kock, who retired in 2021. As the match progresses, Smith's aggressive batting style and significant contributions have kept England in a strong position. This article delves into Smith's journey and the implications of his record in the cricketing world.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 11, 2025, 22:03 IST

Jamie Smith Achieves Milestone at Lord's

On Friday, England's right-handed batsman Jamie Smith matched South African cricketer Quinton de Kock's record by scoring 1000 runs in the fewest innings for a wicketkeeper in Test cricket. Smith reached this impressive milestone during the first session of the second day of the Test match at Lord's, accomplishing it in just 21 innings. This ties him with De Kock, who retired from Test cricket in December 2021. Notably, England's Jonny Bairstow and Sri Lanka's Dinesh Chandimal follow closely behind, each achieving this feat in 22 innings.

Kumar Sangakkara and former South African captain AB de Villiers are tied for third place, each achieving 1000 runs in 23 innings, while former West Indies wicketkeeper Jeff Dujon ranks fourth with 24 innings. Smith scored 51 runs off 56 balls, including six boundaries, before returning to the pavilion. At the start of Day 2, England was positioned at 251/4, with Joe Root on 99 and captain Ben Stokes on 39.

Root continued his remarkable performance at Lord's, hitting a boundary on the first ball of the day to secure his ninth international century at the venue and his 37th overall in Test cricket, placing him fifth among all-time Test centurions. In the 86th over, Jasprit Bumrah provided India with a crucial breakthrough, dismissing Stokes for 44 runs off 110 balls, which included four fours, leaving England at 260/5 and ending an 88-run partnership between two of the team's most seasoned players.

Smith then took to the crease and aggressively targeted Mohammed Siraj, hitting two powerful boundaries. However, Bumrah struck again in the next over, bowling out Root for 104 runs off 199 balls, which featured ten fours, and dismissing Chris Woakes for a golden duck. England's score fell to 271/7.

Maintaining his aggressive approach, Smith continued to score boundaries against both Siraj and Bumrah, showcasing his skill and power. England reached the 300-run mark in 92.3 overs, with Carse contributing valuable runs as well. Smith's half-century came off just 52 balls, including six fours, coinciding with England's 350-run milestone. He and Carse ensured a smooth continuation for England through the rest of the session.