Smith's blistering 72 not out off 97 deliveries helps the hosts post 259-6 before bad light stops play on day two of the first Test at Old Trafford
Smith's blistering 72 not out off 97 deliveries helps the hosts post 259-6 before bad light stops play on day two of the first Test at Old Traffordat Lord’s last month. But having been asked to move up the order in just his fourth match at this level, the wicketkeeper-batter proved the difference between England sinking or swimming on a wet and windy day in Manchester that saw just 57 overs bowled.
Brook had been in superb touch on his way to 56 from 73 balls. There was little he could do about this dismissal though to a delivery that turned sharply.joining him at the crease, Smith took charge, soaking up the pressure either side of tea before reaching his third 50-plus score in four Tests, getting there in 81 balls.
Smith had fallen five runs short of a maiden Test hundred in Birmingham last month during a series when his big-hitting came to the fore – including two blows that saw balls fly out the ground at Lord’s and Edgbaston. “We’re trying to gather times when we can really put the foot down and drive home what we’re trying to do, but also there are times when we have to sit in, soak it up for a bit.”
“The way he’s come in and taken to international cricket is probably the most important part of that.and Pope cheaply to fall to 67 for 3 in the 15th over, will be happy with where they are in this match.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
England vs Sri Lanka: Harry Brook and Jamie Smith put hosts aheadEngland nudge ahead of a spirited Sri Lanka on a truncated second day of the first Test at Emirates Old Trafford.
Read more »
England vs Sri Lanka: Harry Brook and Jamie Smith put hosts aheadEngland nudge ahead of a spirited Sri Lanka on a truncated second day of the first Test at Emirates Old Trafford.
Read more »
England cricket: Five questions after victory over West Indies, including Jamie Smith, Chris Woakes & Mark WoodEngland's 3-0 clean sweep of West Indies was expected, but there are still questions to answer. BBC Sport chief cricket writer Stephan Shemilt takes a look at the most pressing.
Read more »
England cricket: Five questions after victory over West Indies, including Jamie Smith, Chris Woakes & Mark WoodEngland's 3-0 clean sweep of West Indies was expected, but there are still questions to answer. BBC Sport chief cricket writer Stephan Shemilt takes a look at the most pressing.
Read more »
Jamie Smith: England's 'Rolls-Royce' wants to keep clearing roofs after Edgbaston sixEngland's Jamie Smith says he wants to keep clearing stands after his blistering knock puts the hosts in a commanding position over West Indies in the third Test.
Read more »
Jamie Smith: England's 'Rolls-Royce' wants to keep clearing roofs after Edgbaston sixEngland's Jamie Smith says he wants to keep clearing stands after his blistering knock puts the hosts in a commanding position over West Indies in the third Test.
Read more »