England‘s cricket scene has witnessed the emergence of a brand new sensation within the type of wicketkeeper batter Jamie Smith. The 24-year-old has rapidly change into a fan favorite, drawing comparisons to the legendary Australian for his aggressive batting fashion and talent to show a recreation on its head.
Jamie Smith’s counter-attacking masterclass
Smith’s latest efficiency towards Sri Lanka showcased his distinctive expertise. Regardless of England being in a precarious place at 82/7, he counter-attacked with an excellent half-century, scoring 67 runs from simply 50 deliveries. His innings included ten fours and a six, serving to England acquire a decent lead within the second innings.
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Jamie Smith: A star within the making
Since making his Take a look at debut earlier this yr, Smith has persistently impressed together with his batting. He has scored 487 runs from six matches, together with one century and three fifties. His capability to attain rapidly and put strain on the opposition has made him a precious asset to the England crew.
Paul Collingwood praises Smith with a comparability
England’s assistant coach, Paul Collingwood, has been effusive in his reward for Smith. He has likened the younger batter to Adam Gilchrist, one of many biggest wicketkeeper batter of all time. Collingwood highlighted Smith’s capability to entertain the gang and put opposing groups underneath strain together with his aggressive batting.
“He’s definitely an entertainer. You return to the times of Adam Gilchrist when he got here in at seven for Australia. He’s going to place a whole lot of groups underneath strain when you have got the abilities and the ability he has,” Collingwood was quoted as saying by ICC.
A crowd favorite
Collingwood additional emphasised Smith’s affect on the sport, stating that his batting can “suck the life out of the opposition.” His capability to play fearless cricket and rating rapidly has made him a crowd favorite, and his performances have been a spotlight of the England crew’s latest matches.
Sri Lanka’s robust comeback on Day 3
Whereas Smith’s innings gave England a combating likelihood, Sri Lanka’s bowlers fought again strongly on Day 3, bowling England out for 156. Lahiru Kumara‘s spectacular spell of 4/21 put Sri Lanka in a powerful place to chase down a goal of 219 runs within the fourth innings.
England’s hopes for a whitewash
Regardless of Sri Lanka’s dominant place, Collingwood stays optimistic about England’s probabilities of successful the match. He believes that the pitch nonetheless presents sufficient for England to take wickets and claw their method again into the sport. A victory would assist England full a 3-0 whitewash over Sri Lanka and solidify their place within the World Take a look at Championship (WTC) 2023-25.
