England wicketkeeper Jamie Smith has opened up about the mental toll of his first experience in Test cricket, admitting that it left him feeling exhausted. However, after taking time to rest and recharge, Smith is eager to take on a larger role, whether stepping up to No. 6 in the Test team to cover for Ben Stokes or adapting to a new white-ball squad.
Smith’s selection as the Test wicketkeeper-batsman earlier this summer sparked controversy, as he typically does not keep wickets for his county side, where Ben Foakes usually takes the gloves. Nonetheless, Smith had an outstanding series against the West Indies, accumulating 207 runs in four innings, with notable performances at Lord’s and Edgbaston. Additionally, he was flawless behind the stumps, missing no chances.
The 24-year-old revealed that the intensity of the experience took him by surprise. Rather than jumping straight back into action with Birmingham Phoenix in the Hundred, Smith chose to take an additional week off, partly to spend time with his partner, who is expecting their first child in December. Smith mentioned that discussions with England regarding the implications of the upcoming birth are still pending, but it may cause him to miss part of the Test tour to New Zealand.
Test Cricket’s Intensity is Unmatched
Smith described the experience of missing the first three games due to his Test commitments as unusual, and expressed gratitude to Birmingham for allowing him an extra game off. He noted that the transition from county cricket to the Test arena was mentally and physically demanding, and with more challenges ahead, the extra week off was a much-needed break.
"Test cricket is definitely more intense," Smith reflected, adding that although the games didn’t last the full five days, the mental strain was significant. The pressure and emotions associated with Test cricket were more taxing than he had anticipated. The break allowed him to reflect on his performance and identify areas for improvement in future series.
Ready to Bat at No. 6
Smith is poised to become a key player across all formats in the coming months. With Stokes sidelined due to injury, Smith may be promoted to No. 6 for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka.
"Batting at No. 6 won’t be an issue for me," Smith stated confidently. He explained that his career so far has involved batting in various positions, which has equipped him with valuable experience. Though those experiences were at the county level, he believes they have prepared him for the challenges of Test cricket, and the difference between batting at seven and six is not substantial.
In the current Vitality Blast season, Smith’s performance has been exceptional. He scored 285 runs at a strike rate of 205, making him a strong candidate for England’s white-ball squad against Australia next month. Although he has two ODI caps, he has yet to play in a T20 international. The challenge will be managing his workload in an already packed schedule. "There haven’t been any discussions about September yet," Smith mentioned. He expressed his desire to become a three-format player for England, but acknowledged the need to manage workloads carefully, given the demands of jumping from series to series.
Smith is among the few cricketers to have been captained by Ollie Pope, who will lead the team in Stokes’s absence. Recalling their time together at Surrey, where Smith scored 138 under Pope’s captaincy, Smith expressed confidence in Pope’s leadership. "He’ll be great," Smith remarked, noting that Pope shares Stokes’s proactive approach and independent thinking, qualities that are invaluable in Test cricket.