Wicketkeeper Jamie Smith has revealed that England had decided to finish the first Test match early due to ‘fear’ of Jasprit Bumrah
England adopted an aggressive strategy while chasing the target of 371 runs against India on the fifth day of the first Test of the five-match Test series. In the 82nd over, England decided to score runs quickly against Ravindra Jadeja’s bowling so that India would not bring their key bowler Jasprit Bumrah to bowl. Veteran Joe Root and wicketkeeper-batsman Jamie Smith were playing cautiously, but Smith hit two sixes and a four against Jadeja to give England a memorable five-wicket win.
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Jamie Smith’s strategic attack
Speaking to ‘ESPNcricinfo’, Smith said, “At that time we did not need many runs. There was little chance of Bumrah coming to bowl, but nothing is certain in cricket.” At that time, England’s score was 355 for five, and the team management feared that if Indian captain Shubman Gill called Bumrah to bowl, the risk of losing wickets could increase. Smith said, “You don’t know what will happen. I trust my team, but a few good balls could create pressure. So I decided to finish the match early.”
Risky decision and victory
Smith further said, “I knew the new ball was going to come, and if the wicket fell, Chris Woakes would have to come to bat. I thought that if I could play some big shots, this situation would not arise.” Smith also said that India tried their best to take wickets on the last day, but England took advantage of the favorable conditions by balancing aggressive and defensive batting.
England’s batting strength
In England’s fourth innings, the brilliant batting of Ben Duckett (149), Jack Crowley (65), Joe Root (53 not out), and Jamie Smith (44 not out) gave the team an easy win. The win gave England an early lead in the series.
