England’s Jamie Smith Equals Quinton De Kock’s Record As Fastest Wicketkeeper To 1000 Test Runs

England’s Jamie Smith created history on Friday by becoming the joint-fastest wicketkeeper-batter to reach 1000 runs in Test cricket, matching South African great Quinton de Kock’s record. Smith reached the milestone during the first session of Day 2 in the ongoing Lord’s Test against India, achieving the feat in just 21 innings.

This achievement places Smith alongside de Kock, who also completed 1000 Test runs in 21 innings before retiring from the format in 2021. Just behind them are Sri Lanka’s Dinesh Chandimal and England’s Jonny Bairstow, who both reached the mark in 22 innings. Legendary batters Kumar Sangakkara of Sri Lanka and AB de Villiers of South Africa follow with 23 innings, while West Indies’ Jeff Dujon did it in 24.

Smith’s landmark knock came during an aggressive half-century in a crucial phase of England’s innings. Coming in after the dismissal of captain Ben Stokes and Joe Root in quick succession, Smith counter-attacked with intent, hitting six boundaries and scoring 51 off just 56 balls before being dismissed.

The day began with England resuming at 251/4, with Joe Root on 99* and Ben Stokes unbeaten on 39. Root wasted no time, bringing up his 37th Test century on the very first ball of the day. The experienced pair added 88 runs before Jasprit Bumrah delivered a sharp nip-backer to dismiss Stokes for 44. Bumrah then struck again in the next over, bowling Root for 104 and removing Chris Woakes for a golden duck, leaving England at 271/7.

Smith then took charge, quickly getting into rhythm with two crisp boundaries off Mohammed Siraj. Partnered by Brydon Carse, he helped England reach 300 in 92.3 overs. Smith brought up his half-century in just 52 balls, and with Carse contributing handy runs, England crossed the 350-run mark without further loss before the lunch break.