Wicketkeeper Jamie Smith achieved a significant milestone in his young Test career, scoring his maiden Test century in just his fourth match for England. Smith reached the landmark on the third day of the first Test against Sri Lanka at Old Trafford.
Jamie Smith scripts history with maiden Test century
The Surrey cricketer reached the three-figure mark in 136 balls, helping England establish a first-innings lead in Manchester. Jamie Smith also set a new record as the youngest England wicketkeeper to score a Test century. He surpassed the previous record held by Les Ames, who was 24 years and 63 days old when he hit a Test century for England against the West Indies in Port of Spain in 1930.
Jamie Smith's century was a classy performance that suggests he is poised for a long and successful Test career for England. Having made his debut earlier this year against the West Indies, Smith looked at ease from the start. He played traditional cricket shots and kept the scoreboard moving by running hard between wickets and seizing boundary-scoring opportunities. Smith was praised by Kumar Sangakkara, who was commentating, for his compact technique and avoidance of loose strokes against a spirited Sri Lankan bowling attack.
Smith first England wicketkeeper-batter to notch a hundred since December 2022
Smith also became the first England wicketkeeper-batter to score a hundred since December 2022. Ollie Pope, their stand-in captain in Manchester, was keeping wickets when he scored a hundred against Pakistan in Rawalpindi 18 months ago.
Jamie Smith removed his helmet and raised his bat, facing the England dressing room at Old Trafford. Captain Ben Stokes, who was present in Manchester to support the team, and head coach Brendon McCullum expressed their satisfaction with the youngster's achievement. England had been in a precarious position when they lost vice-captain and half-centurion Harry Brook at 187 for 5. However, Smith and Chris Woakes, followed by Smith and Gus Atkinson, formed valuable partnerships of over 50 runs each to guide England out of trouble.
English legend Nasser Hussain, who was commentating during the match, said,"He has taken to Test cricket like a duck to water".
Smith scored 70 on his Test debut against the West Indies and narrowly missed a century in his third Test. Smith's debut innings of 70 runs included two sixes and eight fours, highlighting his aggressive batting style. He continued to impress in subsequent Tests, demonstrating his adaptability to different situations and his ability to bat effectively with the lower order. At Edgbaston against the West Indies, he played a crucial role in England's comeback, scoring 95 runs off 109 balls.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
