Jamie Smith is one of the main talking points after England shocked everyone in their Champions Trophy opening match against Australia. For the first time in his ODI career, the young wicketkeeper-batter will bat at number three, a position that Joe Root has held for almost ten years.
However, what makes Jamie Smith the new go-to person in England, and who is he exactly?
Jamie Smith: Who Is He? Joe Root’s No. 3 Spot Is Being Taken Over by the Young Gun?
Although Jamie Smith isn’t yet well-known, England obviously has high ambitions for him. The 23-year-old, who bats deeper down the order at No. 5 or 6, has only participated in seven ODIs thus far. However, he is now playing Australia at No. 3 in his first-ever ICC competition, throwing him right into the thick of things.
Smith has already secured a spot in England’s changing batting lineup thanks to his capacity to take on new challenges. He had a calf injury that kept him out of the most of England’s white-ball tour to India, but he is now well and ready to play. In addition to being a skilled batsman, he will also take the gloves before Jos Buttler and Phil Salt.
Statistics for Jamie Smith
Although Smith’s international statistics are still being worked out, his potential is clear. He has scored 637 runs at a remarkable average of 42.46 in just nine Test matches, including four fifties and a century.
His six-inning ODI total of 133 runs at an average of 22.16 isn’t very impressive, but he’s only getting started. Additionally, his 175.00 T20I strike rate indicates that he has the ability to counter any bowling approach.
Why Does England Need Him at Number Three?
England has chosen to open the Champions Trophy with a batting-heavy team since their middle order appeared unsteady in their 3-0 loss in the ODI series in India. Now that Root is at number four, England wants to establish a stable top order. Smith’s selection at number three guarantees the squad a dependable batsman up front, enabling Buttler, Root, and Harry Brook to bolster the middle order.
Following the injury of Jacob Bethell in India, England had trouble maintaining team balance. They either didn’t have adequate bowling depth or appeared to be one batter short. With Liam Livingstone at No. 7 and anticipated to share 10 overs with Root, they have now adopted a more formidable batting order. Because Smith must keep the innings together if early wickets go, his position at No. 3 becomes even more important.
A Difficult Start Against Australia
It won’t be an easy game for Smith in his new role. Despite suffering from injuries and withdrawals, Australia remains a formidable opponent for England. Australia is a little weaker without Pat Cummins, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Marsh, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc.
To begin the tournament with a victory, though, England will still need to perform at their peak. Jamie Smith has a fantastic chance to demonstrate his value on the largest platform. England may have identified their long-term No. 3 if he performs well.
