England has taken a bold step by announcing Jamie Smith, who has recovered from injury, as their new number three batter and wicketkeeper for the opening match of the Champions Trophy against Australia this Saturday.
Smith emerged as the likely candidate to be behind the stumps at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium after taking on the responsibility in England’s last two practice sessions. Meanwhile, Phil Salt’s role shifted to focusing on outfield catching during these trainings.
With the official team announcement made two days ahead, Salt will continue to open the innings with Ben Duckett. However, it’s Smith’s unexpected promotion to the first-drop position that’s turning heads.
At just 24, Smith had been sidelined from England’s recent two T20 matches against India and a three-match ODI series due to a left calf injury. Up until now, he had never batted higher than number five in international contests.
His elevation in the batting order has caused a shuffle, with the Yorkshire duo of Joe Root and Harry Brook, along with captain Jos Buttler and the all-rounder Liam Livingstone, each moving down a spot. This change comes as England aims to bolster their batting strength after struggling against India’s spinners on a tour where they managed just one win in eight white-ball games.
Additionally, Brydon Carse is back in action after a toe injury kept him out of the last two ODIs against India. He will join Jofra Archer and Mark Wood to form a formidable three-man pace attack.
Travis Head has acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, “I’m going to have my work cut out” in anticipation of facing England.
