news

Memorable morning for Jamie Smith as England take full control

Vaseline August 23, 2024

Jamie Smith’s maiden international century and two quick wickets gave England complete control of the first Test match against Sri Lanka,

Smith went from 72 not out on yesterday night to 111 on the third morning at Emirates Old Trafford, putting the home side on 358 and a comfortable lead of 122.

With just three overs left before lunch to capitalise on their lead, England made a dream start with the new ball. Chris Woakes and Gus Atkinson both scored, while Nishan Madushka and Kusal Mendis fell for a shot.

At half-time, Sri Lanka were already 10-2 up, putting the country at risk of a three-day defeat.

The stage was set by Smith, who fell for 95 in his previous knock against the West Indies last month. In only his fifth Test innings, he played a magnificent hand to confirm his status as a fast-rising star on the domestic stage.

Promoted to number six to replace the injured Ben Stokes, the wicketkeeper arrived at the crease on 125 for four and eventually departed when England were 79 ahead at 315.

He hit eight fours and a six in his 148-ball stay, a composed performance that depended as much on concentration and composure as it did on the attacking flair for which he is renowned.

At the start of the match, England were still only 23 runs ahead at 259 for six, but Sri Lanka were unable to gain a foothold.

They were close before the first half hour, allowing Smith and his Surrey team-mate Atkinson to find their rhythm. Smith, perhaps wary of his near miss at Edgbaston, seemed fully focused on reaching his hundred and built some confidence with a couple of powerful driven boundaries from Asitha Fernando.

He didn’t rush through the nineties, eventually reaching triple figures with a shake of the hips and a stressed two. His reaction was admirably understated, but the Manchester crowd made sure the moment was celebrated in style.

Atkinson lost 20 points when debutant Milan Rathnayake had him caught past his leg and Smith’s effort was eventually stopped when he latched on to a wide ball from Prabath Jayasuriya and slotted the ball past the keeper.

England added another 43 runs for the last two wickets, both painful for the tourists, with Mark Wood hitting three fours and a six on his way to 22.

Sri Lanka had just 10 minutes to survive but got off to a dramatic start, with Woakes clearing Madushka without a strike and Atkinson beating Mendis on the outside edge.