SerpApi.Org
Jamie Smith wants to use The Hundred as a shop window to get back into England’s white-ball plans.
England’s Test wicketkeeper slipped out of the T20 set-up despite a dashing 60 against the West Indies in his last outing 13 months ago, while a modest 21.77 average in 19 ODIs led to his 50-over axing.
At 26, time is on Smith’s side to revive his aim of being an all-format regular, with England head coach Brendon McCullum, whose brief has been downsized to the limited-overs set-up only, a known admirer.
McCullum is staying in England to watch the 100-ball competition and Smith hopes to catch his eye after being snapped up for £300,000 by Southern Brave, who start their campaign on Wednesday against Welsh Fire.
Smith told the Press Association: “It was disappointing to be dropped because my aspiration is to be playing three formats for England.
“I had a good opportunity opening the batting in ODIs and I didn’t quite take it. That’s down to me. But the T20 team are number one in the world now and were close in the World Cup (reaching the semi-finals earlier this year).
“That’s why The Hundred is a great competition because it gives you that springboard where you can put on a few performances against some of the best players in the world.
“You never know, if you can continue that, you might find yourself, firstly, in a squad which would be nice then pushing for a place in the white-ball sides.”
The Brave’s curtain-raiser at the Utilita Bowl will be Smith’s first outing in a T20 or Hundred game since playing for London Spirit last August.
The big-hitter is expected to bat at the top of the order but is also looking forward to watching powerful team-mates David Miller, Tristan Stubbs and Marcus Stoinis go about their business.
Smith said: “I have batted in the middle-order for Surrey, especially in the last couple of years, and it’s a role I feel I can do as well, but those three are among the most successful in those positions.
“Even if it’s learning off how they go about things in the middle so that as and when a spot might become available in various teams around the world, I could lean on a bit of that experience of how they go about things. It’s not an easy position to master.”
Smith’s priorities in The Hundred mean the England Test side’s trials and tribulations take a brief backseat, but he admitted his surprise at captain Ben Stokes’ international retirement and head coach McCullum’s sacking in the last month.
He added: “It was a big shock. The way their partnership had been over four years and to play a part in it for two was really special.
“It was a great dressing room to be a part of and I’ve had some of my most enjoyable times as a cricketer on the field with the way they go about things.
“I always thought playing for England would be the most daunting times of your life and it wasn’t like that at all, it was a really nice environment where you could go out and express yourself.
“It was disappointing to hear that news. We’ll have to see what the future holds on that front.”
:: Southern Brave kick off their campaign against Welsh Fire at Utilita Bowl on Wednesday. Buy tickets at www.southernbrave.com
The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking news brand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded. We have grown a huge, global readership of independently minded individuals, who value our trusted voice and commitment to positive change. Our mission, making change happen, has never been as important as it is today.
