Jamie Smith was one of the many standout performers for England after their 3-0 series whitewash over the West Indies. The Surrey player selection was a talk for many pundits due to his lack of experience. Jamie Smith now hopes for an extended run in the team as England prepares to play Sri Lanka next month.
Jamie Smith: Why the criticism?
His selection raised an interesting debate among England fans. Whilst several were delighted, many pointed out that England had other options besides Smith.
Ollie Robinson was hoping to get selected for the West Indies series. The Durham player is averaging 72 runs this year and has scored 788 runs in this year’s County Championship. Meanwhile, Robinson has also been wicketkeeping for Durham and contributing with the bat for his county.
This isn’t what Jamie Smith has been doing at Surrey. Robinson’s form and prolific run-scoring this year would have made him a contender for a place in England. England captain Ben Stokes decided to overlook his Durham teammate and selected Jamie Smith instead.
James Rew’s Hopes for an England Call-Up
James Rew is another player who would have hoped for an England call-up. The Somerset player has long been touted as England’s next superstar. England is looking to replace its current wicketkeeper, Jonny Bairstow, in Test cricket.
Rew would have been hoping for an England debut. Typically, a left-hander, James Rew has secured himself as Somerset’s wicket-keeper batsman with his aggressive style and approach to the game. Inconsistency and a lack of run-scoring this season cost the Somerset player to make his England debut.
Ben Foakes would have been hoping for another Test series as England’s wicketkeeper. The Surrey man has been England’s primary operator in the role ahead of Jonny Bairstow. In Asia, where the ball keeps low and spins sharply, Foakes thrives. England fans and neutrals worldwide regard Foakes as the best wicketkeeper in the game.
Jamie Smith’s selection ahead of Foakes raised many questions. Smith has primarily played as a batsman, with Ben Foakes taking the wicketkeeper role. Similarly, Smith doesn’t have experience batting with the tail-enders, while Foakes has done it multiple times for England.
Despite all the critics and the background noise, Smith shone in the Series.
Smith silences doubters
Jamie Smith had a series to remember as England sealed a whitewash series win over the Windies. In the first test match of the series, Smith came out to bat and scored a composed 70 runs on debut. The Surrey player showed all the elegance and flair of an experienced cricketer. The 24-year-old defended the good balls but also accelerated at the right time.
Surprisingly, given the pace and hostility of the West Indies attack, Jamie Smith coped pretty well in his first Test Series. However, the young wicketkeeper-batsman fell agonisingly short of a maiden Test Match century, being bowled for 95 in the last Test. Given that this is Jamie Smith’s first Test match series, he handled the situation brilliantly in his new role.
Traditionally, playing as a number five for club side Surrey, Smith found himself batting at seven in England’s batting line-up. Whilst the role was new to the young man, he quickly settled into his role and marshalled the tail to accumulate as many runs as possible.
A wicketkeeper’s role is complex and difficult to describe at best. They aren’t solely about catching the ball; they are crucial when captains decide to challenge an umpire’s decision. Jamie Smith has been particularly good at this. He has offered his captain clear and concise instructions as to whether a decision is worth reviewing.
What next for England and Jamie Smith?
Jamie Smith hopes to continue his good form for England as the host Sri Lanka in a three-match series. The 24-year-old will be looking to firmly cement a place in the side as England’s number one. Smith will also keep an eye on the long-term goal as England looks to assemble an Ashes-winning side.
Summing Up
Captain Ben Stokes will look to give young players ample opportunity to stake their claim in his team. The amount of young talent shining across the County Championship ensures that selection will always be difficult. Jamie Smith hopes his performances have helped him consolidate his place and show the management of England that he can thrive on the international stage.