The England Cricket Board (ECB) took a risky call to leave out their established keepers Jonny Bairstow and Ben Foakes out of the England Test team, before the West Indies series, for Jamie Smith. The move worked well as the 24-year-old scored his first Test match century at Old Trafford beating his previous highest score of 95 against the West Indies in Edgbaston as well. Smith’s 111 and consistent bowling put England in a dominant position at the end of Day 3, as Sri Lanka were left struggling at 204 for 6 with a lead of 82 heading into Day 4 as well.
“I probably didn’t show it but inwardly I was obviously very happy with that milestone,” Smith said. On 98, I was thinking about running down and launching it but I’m not going to change the way I was playing just because of the sake of a milestone. It was nice to come away with it but if I changed the way I was playing and got out I would’ve been annoyed.”
“It was a pretty good feeling, I felt like I missed out against West Indies so it was more special to get over the line but putting on some runs and getting us into a lead was the most important thing. It was tough going with how slow the outfield was, there were less boundaries than you’re hoping for and less value for shots because it’s a flat wicket so I had to put in harder graft than other innings but it was really enjoyable,” he continued. “The main feeling has been of enjoyment, I’ve really enjoyed playing in this side and being out there. I don’t feel like I’m out of my depth, everyone is high quality and you don’t feel like you’re battling. It was great to get a century, it’s something you wish for and a nice one to tick off.”
However, one of the key figures in Jamie Smith’s development is Ian Bell, who has been appointed as batting coach for Sri Lanka for this series. Smith gave credit to Bell, for having worked with him at the England Lions team and developing his game for the last few years as well.
“Belly has been a great help for me both in the Lions and with Birmingham Phoenix for the last couple of years. The knowledge that he passed on and his willingness to throw balls at me before games when I had an eye on the Test series is something I’m really grateful for. It’s great when people are willing to be in your corner, I guess, and help you out even though they’re in the opposition side. So I was grateful for his help,” Smith said.
Bell also joked that the century by Smith was “annoying” but he was happy to see Smith take up international cricket with ease. He also expected Smith to only go upwards from here as well.
“Yeah, it was annoying,” he said with a smile. “On a serious note, someone like Jamie, I think you can see it. He’s going to be a world-class player for England over a long period of time. He is class and it’s up to us now to find ways of getting him out in this series. There’s a small part that I suppose I played in his development but I’ve watched a guy who’s worked extremely hard. He’s taken to international cricket with ease. Even his celebration just shows the kind of person he is. He’s calm and I’m sure he’s going to be a massive part of this England team in all formats to come over a long time.”
