When Jamie Smith was named as England's wicket-keeper for the home summer of 2024, it came as a surprise to many particularly because he was picked ahead of Ben Foakes, who only just three months prior was England's gloveman of choice on their tour to India. The Stokes-McCullum management, however, never shy of making bold calls, saw it fit to pick Smith, who wasn't even the first-choice keeper at his county side Surrey, over the more established Foakes who’d been the longstanding keeper of choice at the same county.

England’s decision, however, was one that was grounded in firm reason. While the timing of Smith’s inclusion raised a few eyebrows, the inclusion itself didn’t. Having consistently impressed as a hard-hitting keeper-batter in the domestic circuit, Smith fit the Bazball bill perfectly while his senior Foakes didn’t. And he hadn’t been picked out of the oblivion either. Having played age-group cricket for Surrey starting with the under-9s, those within the circuit were well aware of Smith’s talent. A successful run with the England Lions, including a 71-ball century at Galle in an unofficial Test against Sri Lanka A in 2023, firmly established Smith as England’s prospective wicket-keeper, particularly with the Bazball regime’s specific focus on strike-rates.

All the eyebrows that were raised were quickly lowered following Smith’s impressive debut series. On debut, Smith struck an impressive 70 and his faultless work behind the stumps at Lord’s - a venue known to be harsh on keepers with the ball wobbling around - did more than just vindicate Stokes and McCullum’s judgment. His maturity at the crease and natural flair with the bat drew widespread praise while his keeping left little to be desired.

Facts
> He scored a century on his first-class debut for Surrey in 2019

> Smith has been part of Surrey’s title-winning teams in 2022 & 2023

> Has represented London Spirit and Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred

By Anurag Hegde