Jamie Smith rescues England vs Sri Lanka at Old Trafford, cements credentials as keeper-batter

Aug. 23, 2024, 3:18 a.m.

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The almost customary Manchester rain may have dominated Day Two at Old Trafford, but beneath the surface, a captivating Test match was brewing.

After a disastrous start on Day One, collapsing to 6/3, some might argue that Sri Lanka could only have improved. However, for the second day in a row, they fought valiantly, restricting England to a lead of just 23 runs with four wickets remaining when rain and fading light brought an early end to proceedings.

England's hopes of securing a substantial first innings lead largely hinge on the performance of one individual. Jamie Smith, with four Tests under his belt, has already demonstrated the qualities that made him England's choice for the future behind the stumps.

Once it became clear that England would be seeking replacements for both Jonny Bairstow and Ben Foakes as their Test wicketkeeper, a fierce competition emerged in English county cricket. Durham's Ollie Robinson and Surrey's Jamie Smith were vying for the coveted spot, aiming to become England's new gloveman.

In the opening rounds of the County Championship, both players shone brightly, Robinson accumulating 788 runs, including two centuries and five half-centuries, at an average of 71.63, while Smith recorded 677 runs, also with two centuries and five half-centuries, at an average of 56.41.

Despite some criticism that the competition was biased towards Smith, the selectors ultimately chose the Surrey player. Based on the available evidence, their decision seems justified.

Smith demonstrated his prowess in his initial three-Test series against the West Indies, achieving an average of 51.75. He delivered a commendable 70 on his Test debut at Lord's and narrowly missed out on a century in the final Test at Edgbaston, finishing five runs short.

Against Sri Lanka, Smith has continued his impressive form, remaining unbeaten on 72 at the close of Day Two. He has effectively stabilized England's top order, preventing a potential collapse, and now has the opportunity to guide the team towards a dominant position.

Smith joined the crease with England at 125/4, replacing Joe Root who had just departed. Batting one spot higher than in the previous series, with Ben Stokes' batting prowess unavailable, the situation carried a significant degree of pressure, regardless of the opposition's strength.

The 24-year-old showed remarkable composure, first forging a solid partnership of 62 runs with Harry Brook, followed by a 52-run stand with Chris Woakes. Brook continues his impressive consistency in England's Test side, scoring 56 before being dismissed by a stunning delivery from Prabath Jayasuriya. This brings his tally to 14 50+ scores in just 16 Test appearances.

Come for the drives 😍

Stay for the pigeons 🕊

D2 Highlights: https://t.co/mkcFxQyiJO

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— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 22, 2024 Advertisement Brook’s contribution though was overshadowed by Smith, the wicketkeeper batting with admirable control and fluency, scoring all round the wicket but particularly strongly through the covers, two of his five fours coming through the region and at least a couple more only prevented from reaching the rope by the damp Old Trafford outfield.

Despite his generally cautious and strategic approach, Smith also offered glimpses of the explosive power that has impressed the selectors so much. Facing the economical Jayasuriya, he danced down the pitch and launched a magnificent six over long on.

Advertisement England and their fans will be hoping to see more of this aggressive side to Smith's game on Day Three. He demonstrated his ability to guide runs from the tailenders on his debut at Lord's, and his capacity to do so again could significantly influence the outcome of this Test match.

No matter how Smith performs in the future, his Test career has already begun with a strong showing. This is a clear validation of the selectors' belief that he is England's wicketkeeper for the present and for a long time to come.