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"Put Them To Bed...": Jamie Smith Fires Warning To India Ahead Of Edgbaston Test

Rajgeeta Yadav

 Jamie Smith Reflects on England’s Dominant Win [Source: AP Photos] Jamie Smith Reflects on England’s Dominant Win [Source: AP Photos]

England young wicketkeeper Jamie Smith played a key role in their thrilling win against India in the first Test match of the series at Headingley. When Smith came out to bat, England was in a tough spot at 302 runs for 5 wickets while chasing a big target of 371 runs. India still had a chance, but Smith, together with ex-captain captain Joe Root, stayed calm and helped England pull off an important and historic victory.

This win is a huge boost for England, especially for their younger players. England has tried many different players recently, but the confident performance of Smith gives their fans plenty to be hopeful about.

Jamie Smith Shines Under Pressure vs India

Smith, just 24 years old, hit the winning runs and stayed unbeaten on 44 runs from 55 balls. He played with maturity and aggression when it mattered most. Smith praised the team’s approach, which is inspired by the aggressive “Bazball” style, saying it helped them close the match strongly and not give India any chance to fight back.

“We’ve seen some really special stuff over the course of the three years – 500 in a day and chasing down these totals has been incredibly pleasing and special for those guys, showing what can be done,” said Smith to the Daily Mail.” This was a great example of where the team have got to that we didn’t give India a chance,” remarked Smith.

England Outplay India With Smart Batting

England’s success was built on careful and smart batting, especially with Ben Duckett’s brilliant century. The hosts also managed to keep India’s best bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, wicketless in the final innings, something very hard to do. 

Smith said their team was “measured and controlled” throughout the chase, avoiding the usual collapses they might have had in the past.

“Maybe in the past we would have still played that same way, but might have had a collapse that gave them a chance or a little in. But it was so measured and controlled throughout that we never gave them a sniff. The really important thing is for the team to be quite ruthless: once you’re on top, try to put them to bed,” said the wicketkeeper.

Smith finished the match by hitting a six off Indian bowler Ravindra Jadeja in the final hour of Day 5. He hit two sixes and four fours in a 69-run partnership with Root that sealed the game.

England now lead the series 1-0 and will look to build on this momentum in the second Test starting July 2 at Edgbaston, Birmingham. For India, this match is a clear warning, they need to be sharper if they want to fight back in the series.