England young wicketkeeper batter Jamie Smith is relishing the opportunity to play for his country after a match-winning century vs Sri Lanka in the first Test at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester.
Notably, Smith registered his maiden Test hundred in the first innings scoring 111 (148) with the help of eight fours and a six. Courtesy of his knock, England managed to take a 122-run lead, which proved to be too crucial in the game as it helped reduce their fourth innings target of 205 massively. Speaking about his milestone after the game, Smith said that he was elated to score his maiden hundred having missed out on the milestone in the previous series. The 24-year-old was delighted to have helped his team take the first innings lead.
“It’s a great milestone (on claiming his maiden international ton), having missed out by 5 runs in the previous series, it feels nice. To go over the line and to get us into the lead (in the first innings) is amazing. It’s when you come back after a day’s play and check those messages from all the people who have been part of your journey and supported you throughout, it really feels amazing. Very proud moment,” said Smith after the game.
Having recently made his debut against West Indies at Lord’s, Smith has taken to Test cricket like fish to water. The right-handed batter has scored 357 runs from four matches at an average of 59.50 with two fifties and a hundred at a strike rate of 73.60. He got his career off to a terrific start scoring 70 (119) on his debut vs West Indies.
He further scored a phenomenal 95 in the third Test missing out on his maiden hundred by five runs. However, he finally managed to touch the three-figure mark in the first innings.
Root played well and allowed everyone to play around him: Jamie Smith
Further speaking ahead, the wicketkeeper batter hailed Joe Root for his half-century in the fourth innings and spoke about the honour of playing for England at the highest level.
“To put us into that position (gain lead in the first innings) is very pleasing because we knew it is not going to be easy to bat 4th on that surface. Always a semi-difficult chase, it was attritional and it was a nice wicket, but they bowled nicely. Root played well and allowed everyone to play around him. Enjoyable team to be part of, to be out there and representing your country is a great honor really,” he added.
Chasing a target of 205 in the fourth innings, England were in a bit of trouble at 119/4. However, a 64-run stand between Smith (39) and Root (62*) helped their side calmed the nerves in the dressing room. As a result, England managed to win the match by five wickets and take a 1-0 lead in the series.